Drug interactions
Cefazolin + Kanamycin
Severity: Moderate
Cefazolin and Kanamycin: 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
Cefazolin given with an aminoglycoside such as kanamycin has been associated with a possible additive risk of kidney injury, and aminoglycosides also carry ototoxic risk. Kanamycin is itself markedly nephrotoxic and ototoxic, so any added renal impairment raises aminoglycoside exposure and toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefazolin and Kanamycin 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.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxic potential, with reduced renal clearance of the aminoglycoside if kidney function declines.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and urine output and aminoglycoside levels where applicable during combined use. Adjust the kanamycin dose to renal function and watch for hearing or vestibular symptoms.
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 + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Microbiota Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefazolin with Kanamycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefazolin and Kanamycin 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 given with an aminoglycoside such as kanamycin has been associated with a possible additive risk of kidney injury, and aminoglycosides also carry ototoxic risk. Kanamycin is itself markedly nephrotoxic and ototoxic, so any added renal impairment raises aminoglycoside exposure and toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cefazolin and Kanamycin?
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 and aminoglycoside levels where applicable during combined use. Adjust the kanamycin dose to renal function and watch for hearing or vestibular symptoms.
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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