Drug interactions
Cefazolin + Gentamicin
Severity: Moderate
Cefazolin and Gentamicin: 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
Giving cefazolin with gentamicin may raise the risk of kidney injury, mainly in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted or have existing renal impairment. The aminoglycoside is the principal nephrotoxic and ototoxic agent, and the combination is often used deliberately, for example in endocarditis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefazolin and Gentamicin 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.
Cefazolin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxic potential; cephalosporins may modestly add to aminoglycoside tubular injury.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin levels, keep the patient well hydrated and limit the duration of aminoglycoside therapy. Adjust the doses for renal function.
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 Cefazolin
- Amikacin + Cefazolin Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefazolin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefazolin + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Microbiota Moderate
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefazolin with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefazolin and Gentamicin 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. Giving cefazolin with gentamicin may raise the risk of kidney injury, mainly in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted or have existing renal impairment. The aminoglycoside is the principal nephrotoxic and ototoxic agent, and the combination is often used deliberately, for example in endocarditis.
How serious is the interaction between Cefazolin and Gentamicin?
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 gentamicin levels, keep the patient well hydrated and limit the duration of aminoglycoside therapy. Adjust the doses for renal function.
What other medicines interact with Cefazolin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefazolin with, for example, Amikacin, Bcg vaccine live, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Cefazolin page.
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