Drug interactions
Cefuroxime + Tobramycin
Severity: Moderate
Cefuroxime 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
Tobramycin can injure the kidneys and inner ear, and concurrent cephalosporin use has been associated with additional nephrotoxicity in some reports. Renal impairment raises aminoglycoside levels and the chance of ototoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefuroxime 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.
Cefuroxime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Tobramycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, with reduced renal clearance increasing aminoglycoside exposure.
What to do
Monitor renal function and tobramycin serum concentrations, and assess for hearing or balance symptoms. Adjust the tobramycin dose according to levels and creatinine clearance.
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 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 Cefuroxime with Tobramycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefuroxime 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. Tobramycin can injure the kidneys and inner ear, and concurrent cephalosporin use has been associated with additional nephrotoxicity in some reports. Renal impairment raises aminoglycoside levels and the chance of ototoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cefuroxime 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 renal function and tobramycin serum concentrations, and assess for hearing or balance symptoms. Adjust the tobramycin dose according to levels and creatinine clearance.
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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