Drug interactions
Cefuroxime + Gentamicin
Severity: Moderate
Cefuroxime 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
Cefuroxime given with gentamicin may increase the risk of kidney injury, especially in older, dehydrated or renally impaired patients. Gentamicin is the principal nephrotoxic and ototoxic agent, and the combination is often used on purpose in serious infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefuroxime 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.
Cefuroxime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxic potential; cephalosporins may modestly add to aminoglycoside tubular injury.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin levels, keep the patient hydrated and limit the aminoglycoside duration. Adjust the doses for renal function.
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 Cefuroxime
- Aluminum hydroxide + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Amikacin + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Calcium + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Cefuroxime + Cholera vaccine 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 Cefuroxime with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefuroxime 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. Cefuroxime given with gentamicin may increase the risk of kidney injury, especially in older, dehydrated or renally impaired patients. Gentamicin is the principal nephrotoxic and ototoxic agent, and the combination is often used on purpose in serious infections.
How serious is the interaction between Cefuroxime 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, keep the patient hydrated and limit the aminoglycoside duration. Adjust the doses for renal function.
What other medicines interact with Cefuroxime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefuroxime with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide, Amikacin, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cefuroxime page.
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