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