Drug interactions
Cidofovir + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Cidofovir and Pentamidine: 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 agents can injure the kidney, and cidofovir in particular causes dose-related proximal tubular toxicity. Using them together raises the likelihood of acute kidney injury and may worsen renal function. Pentamidine may also cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances that complicate the picture.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cidofovir and Pentamidine 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; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity from two drugs that each damage renal tubular cells.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative exists; cidofovir labeling advises against concurrent nephrotoxic drugs. If unavoidable, give cidofovir with probenecid and saline hydration and monitor serum creatinine, urine protein and electrolytes 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 Cidofovir
- Amikacin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Amphotericin b + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Bacitracin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Capreomycin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Cephaloridine + Cidofovir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cidofovir with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cidofovir and Pentamidine 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 agents can injure the kidney, and cidofovir in particular causes dose-related proximal tubular toxicity. Using them together raises the likelihood of acute kidney injury and may worsen renal function. Pentamidine may also cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances that complicate the picture.
How serious is the interaction between Cidofovir and Pentamidine?
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 an alternative exists; cidofovir labeling advises against concurrent nephrotoxic drugs. If unavoidable, give cidofovir with probenecid and saline hydration and monitor serum creatinine, urine protein and electrolytes before each dose.
What other medicines interact with Cidofovir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cidofovir with, for example, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate, Amphotericin b. The full list is on the Cidofovir page.
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