Drug interactions
Bacitracin + Gentamicin
Severity: Major
Bacitracin and Gentamicin: 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 highly nephrotoxic, and gentamicin adds further renal tubular injury. Together they raise the risk of kidney failure and aminoglycoside accumulation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bacitracin and Gentamicin 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; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity affecting proximal tubules.
What to do
Avoid systemic bacitracin with gentamicin. If unavoidable, monitor renal function and gentamicin levels closely and adjust doses.
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 Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin 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 Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bacitracin and Gentamicin 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 highly nephrotoxic, and gentamicin adds further renal tubular injury. Together they raise the risk of kidney failure and aminoglycoside accumulation.
How serious is the interaction between Bacitracin and Gentamicin?
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 bacitracin with gentamicin. If unavoidable, monitor renal function and gentamicin levels closely and adjust doses.
What other medicines interact with Gentamicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gentamicin with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Gentamicin page.
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