Drug interactions
Cefotaxime + Tobramycin
Severity: Moderate
Cefotaxime and Tobramycin: 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
Combining a cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside may raise the risk of kidney injury, and tobramycin itself can damage the kidneys and inner ear. The additive risk with cefotaxime is modest and mainly relevant in patients with renal impairment, older age or dehydration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefotaxime and Tobramycin 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.
Cefotaxime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Tobramycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Possible additive nephrotoxicity, with reduced renal function leading to higher aminoglycoside exposure and greater ototoxic potential.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and tobramycin trough levels, and adjust the dose to renal function. Keep the patient hydrated and assess hearing and balance if therapy is prolonged.
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 Cefotaxime
- Cefotaxime + Typhoid vaccine live Major
- Amikacin + Cefotaxime Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefotaxime + Kanamycin Moderate
Other interactions of Tobramycin
- Cidofovir + Tobramycin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Tobramycin Major
- Amikacin + Tobramycin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Tobramycin Major
- Amphotericin b + Tobramycin Major
- Atracurium + Tobramycin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefotaxime with Tobramycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefotaxime and Tobramycin 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. Combining a cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside may raise the risk of kidney injury, and tobramycin itself can damage the kidneys and inner ear. The additive risk with cefotaxime is modest and mainly relevant in patients with renal impairment, older age or dehydration.
How serious is the interaction between Cefotaxime and Tobramycin?
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 tobramycin trough levels, and adjust the dose to renal function. Keep the patient hydrated and assess hearing and balance if therapy is prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Cefotaxime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefotaxime with, for example, Typhoid vaccine live, Amikacin, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Cefotaxime page.
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