Drug interactions
Cephaloridine + Gentamicin
Severity: Major
Cephaloridine and Gentamicin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Cephaloridine is a nephrotoxic cephalosporin, now largely obsolete, and combining it with gentamicin increases the risk of acute tubular injury. Ototoxicity risk from gentamicin may also rise with kidney impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cephaloridine and Gentamicin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive proximal tubular toxicity, with reduced renal function raising gentamicin exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a less nephrotoxic cephalosporin; if unavoidable, monitor creatinine and gentamicin levels closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Cephaloridine with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cephaloridine and Gentamicin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Cephaloridine is a nephrotoxic cephalosporin, now largely obsolete, and combining it with gentamicin increases the risk of acute tubular injury. Ototoxicity risk from gentamicin may also rise with kidney impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Cephaloridine and Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose a less nephrotoxic cephalosporin; if unavoidable, monitor creatinine and gentamicin levels closely.
What other medicines interact with Gentamicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gentamicin with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Gentamicin page.
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