Drug interactions
Cefalexin + Streptomycin
Severity: Moderate
Cefalexin and Streptomycin: 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
Concurrent use of cephalosporins with aminoglycosides has been associated with additive kidney injury in some reports, and streptomycin itself is nephrotoxic and ototoxic. Cefalexin is a weak nephrotoxin on its own, so the added risk is mainly in patients with existing renal impairment or other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefalexin and Streptomycin 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.
Cefalexin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Streptomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxic potential; the aminoglycoside causes proximal tubular and cochleovestibular injury, and the cephalosporin may add to tubular stress.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and urine output during combined therapy, and watch for hearing or vestibular symptoms. Adjust streptomycin dose to renal function and keep the course as short as 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 Cefalexin
- Amikacin + Cefalexin Moderate
- Avelumab + Cefalexin Moderate
- Balstilimab + Cefalexin Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefalexin Moderate
- Cefalexin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefalexin + Kanamycin Moderate
Other interactions of Streptomycin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefalexin with Streptomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefalexin and Streptomycin 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. Concurrent use of cephalosporins with aminoglycosides has been associated with additive kidney injury in some reports, and streptomycin itself is nephrotoxic and ototoxic. Cefalexin is a weak nephrotoxin on its own, so the added risk is mainly in patients with existing renal impairment or other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Cefalexin and Streptomycin?
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 urine output during combined therapy, and watch for hearing or vestibular symptoms. Adjust streptomycin dose to renal function and keep the course as short as possible.
What other medicines interact with Cefalexin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefalexin with, for example, Amikacin, Avelumab, Balstilimab. The full list is on the Cefalexin page.
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