Drug interactions
Carboplatin + Polymyxin b
Severity: Major
Carboplatin and Polymyxin b: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 polymyxin B is notably nephrotoxic and neurotoxic, and carboplatin can also affect renal function and hearing. Combined use raises the risk of acute kidney injury and reduced carboplatin clearance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carboplatin and Polymyxin b 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.
Carboplatin belongs to Oncology; Polymyxin b belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity through tubular injury, with reduced renal elimination of carboplatin.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where alternatives exist. If necessary, monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently, adjust polymyxin B dose to renal function and dose carboplatin on current 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Carboplatin and Polymyxin b, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Carboplatin
Other interactions of Polymyxin b
- Cidofovir + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Acyclovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Adefovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Amikacin + Polymyxin b Major
- Amphotericin b + Polymyxin b Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carboplatin with Polymyxin b?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carboplatin and Polymyxin b 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 polymyxin B is notably nephrotoxic and neurotoxic, and carboplatin can also affect renal function and hearing. Combined use raises the risk of acute kidney injury and reduced carboplatin clearance.
How serious is the interaction between Carboplatin and Polymyxin b?
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 concurrent use where alternatives exist. If necessary, monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently, adjust polymyxin B dose to renal function and dose carboplatin on current clearance.
What other medicines interact with Carboplatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carboplatin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate. The full list is on the Carboplatin page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
