Drug interactions
Cidofovir + Colistin
Severity: Major
Cidofovir and Colistin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs are toxic to the kidney, and giving them together raises the risk of acute kidney injury. Cidofovir already causes proximal tubular damage, and colistin adds further tubular injury, which may also worsen the risk of other toxicities as renal clearance falls.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cidofovir and Colistin 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.
Cidofovir belongs to Anti Virals; Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity through direct proximal tubular injury from each drug.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose alternatives. If it cannot be avoided, ensure cidofovir is given with probenecid and saline hydration and monitor serum creatinine and urinalysis before each dose.
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 Colistin
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Amikacin + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b + Colistin Major
- Atracurium + Colistin Major
- Bacitracin + Colistin Major
Other interactions of Cidofovir
- Amikacin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Amphotericin b + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Bacitracin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Capreomycin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Cephaloridine + Cidofovir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cidofovir with Colistin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cidofovir and Colistin 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. Both drugs are toxic to the kidney, and giving them together raises the risk of acute kidney injury. Cidofovir already causes proximal tubular damage, and colistin adds further tubular injury, which may also worsen the risk of other toxicities as renal clearance falls.
How serious is the interaction between Cidofovir and Colistin?
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 where possible and choose alternatives. If it cannot be avoided, ensure cidofovir is given with probenecid and saline hydration and monitor serum creatinine and urinalysis before each dose.
What other medicines interact with Colistin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colistin with, for example, Polymyxin b, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate. The full list is on the Colistin page.
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