Drug interactions
Cefepime + Neomycin
Severity: Minor
Cefepime and Neomycin: minor 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
Oral neomycin is poorly absorbed, so systemic aminoglycoside exposure is usually small. Cefepime is given parenterally and is renally cleared, and its neurotoxicity accumulates in renal impairment. Additive kidney or ear injury is unlikely unless neomycin is absorbed, for example with bowel damage or renal failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefepime and Neomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cefepime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Neomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity that requires systemic aminoglycoside absorption, which is minimal with oral neomycin.
What to do
No routine action is needed when renal function is normal. Monitor serum creatinine in patients with renal impairment or bowel inflammation, and adjust the cefepime dose to renal function.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Neomycin
- Amikacin + Neomycin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Neomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Neomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Neomycin Major
- Colistin + Neomycin Major
- Ethacrynic acid + Neomycin Major
Other interactions of Cefepime
- Amikacin + Cefepime Moderate
- Cefepime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefepime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefepime + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Microbiota Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefepime with Neomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefepime and Neomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral neomycin is poorly absorbed, so systemic aminoglycoside exposure is usually small. Cefepime is given parenterally and is renally cleared, and its neurotoxicity accumulates in renal impairment. Additive kidney or ear injury is unlikely unless neomycin is absorbed, for example with bowel damage or renal failure.
How serious is the interaction between Cefepime and Neomycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine action is needed when renal function is normal. Monitor serum creatinine in patients with renal impairment or bowel inflammation, and adjust the cefepime dose to renal function.
What other medicines interact with Neomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Neomycin with, for example, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Neomycin page.
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