Drug interactions
Ceftazidime + Tobramycin
Severity: Moderate
Ceftazidime 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 ceftazidime is modest and mainly relevant in patients with renal impairment, older age or dehydration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceftazidime 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.
Ceftazidime 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 Ceftazidime
- Amikacin + Ceftazidime Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Gentamicin Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Kanamycin Moderate
- Ceftazidime + Microbiota 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 Ceftazidime with Tobramycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ceftazidime 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 ceftazidime is modest and mainly relevant in patients with renal impairment, older age or dehydration.
How serious is the interaction between Ceftazidime 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 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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