Drug interactions
Ceftazidime + Gentamicin
Severity: Moderate
Ceftazidime 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
Combining a cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside may raise the risk of kidney injury, and gentamicin itself is nephrotoxic and ototoxic. The additive risk with ceftazidime is modest and mainly relevant in patients with renal impairment, older age or dehydration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceftazidime 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.
Ceftazidime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Gentamicin 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 gentamicin levels and adjust doses to renal function. Keep the patient hydrated and limit the duration of aminoglycoside therapy.
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 Ceftazidime
- Amikacin + Ceftazidime Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Kanamycin Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Microbiota Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Plazomicin 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 Ceftazidime with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ceftazidime 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. Combining a cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside may raise the risk of kidney injury, and gentamicin itself is nephrotoxic and ototoxic. The additive risk with ceftazidime is modest and mainly relevant in patients with renal impairment, older age or dehydration.
How serious is the interaction between Ceftazidime 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 and adjust doses to renal function. Keep the patient hydrated and limit the duration of aminoglycoside therapy.
What other medicines interact with Ceftazidime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ceftazidime with, for example, Amikacin, Cholera vaccine, Dexamethasone-tobramycin. The full list is on the Ceftazidime page.
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