Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Gentamicin
Severity: Moderate
Acetylsalicylic acid and Gentamicin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs can harm the kidneys and the inner ear, so high-dose aspirin with gentamicin may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Reduced renal function can also raise gentamicin levels. At low antiplatelet doses the effect is minimal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Gentamicin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, with prostaglandin inhibition reducing renal perfusion and aminoglycoside clearance.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin levels, and watch for hearing or balance changes when high-dose salicylates are used. Prefer low-dose aspirin or an alternative analgesic where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Acetylsalicylic acid and Gentamicin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drugs can harm the kidneys and the inner ear, so high-dose aspirin with gentamicin may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Reduced renal function can also raise gentamicin levels. At low antiplatelet doses the effect is minimal.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin levels, and watch for hearing or balance changes when high-dose salicylates are used. Prefer low-dose aspirin or an alternative analgesic where possible.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
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