Drug interactions
Cefoxitin + Gentamicin
Severity: Moderate
Cefoxitin 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
Concurrent use of a cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside has been associated with additive kidney injury in some reports, particularly in patients with other risk factors. Aminoglycoside ototoxicity may also be a concern with prolonged exposure. The effect is generally manageable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefoxitin 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.
Cefoxitin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxic potential, with aminoglycoside tubular toxicity possibly being aggravated by cephalosporins.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin trough levels during combined therapy, and keep the aminoglycoside course as short as possible. Ensure adequate hydration and avoid other nephrotoxins.
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 Cefoxitin
- Amikacin + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Aztreonam + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Chloramphenicol Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Dexamethasone-tobramycin 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 Cefoxitin with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefoxitin 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. Concurrent use of a cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside has been associated with additive kidney injury in some reports, particularly in patients with other risk factors. Aminoglycoside ototoxicity may also be a concern with prolonged exposure. The effect is generally manageable.
How serious is the interaction between Cefoxitin 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 trough levels during combined therapy, and keep the aminoglycoside course as short as possible. Ensure adequate hydration and avoid other nephrotoxins.
What other medicines interact with Cefoxitin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefoxitin with, for example, Amikacin, Aztreonam, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cefoxitin page.
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