Drug interactions
Bacitracin + Colistin
Severity: Major
Bacitracin and Colistin: major 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
Systemic bacitracin is markedly nephrotoxic, and combining it with colistin compounds the risk of kidney injury. Neurotoxicity and neuromuscular effects may also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bacitracin and Colistin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Bacitracin belongs to Miscellaneous; Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity through renal tubular injury.
What to do
Avoid systemic combination; if unavoidable, monitor renal function daily and adjust doses to creatinine clearance.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Colistin
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Amikacin + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b + Colistin Major
- Atracurium + Colistin Major
- Capreomycin + Colistin Major
Other interactions of Bacitracin
- Bacitracin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Bacitracin Major
- Aldesleukin + Bacitracin Major
- Amikacin + Bacitracin Major
- Bacitracin + Carboplatin Major
- Bacitracin + Cisplatin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bacitracin with Colistin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bacitracin and Colistin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Systemic bacitracin is markedly nephrotoxic, and combining it with colistin compounds the risk of kidney injury. Neurotoxicity and neuromuscular effects may also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Bacitracin and Colistin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid systemic combination; if unavoidable, monitor renal function daily and adjust doses to creatinine clearance.
What other medicines interact with Colistin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colistin with, for example, Polymyxin b, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate. The full list is on the Colistin page.
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