Drug interactions
Cidofovir + Tenofovir disoproxil
Severity: Major
Cidofovir and Tenofovir disoproxil: 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
Cidofovir causes dose-related proximal tubular toxicity and is eliminated by active tubular secretion, as is tenofovir. Combined use increases the chance of acute kidney injury and may raise tenofovir concentrations. Labeling advises against combining nephrotoxic agents with tenofovir.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cidofovir and Tenofovir disoproxil 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 and competition for renal tubular secretion via organic anion transporters.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, and use an alternative antiretroviral not dependent on renal handling if cidofovir is required. If unavoidable, monitor creatinine, phosphate and urinalysis closely and follow cidofovir hydration and probenecid requirements.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Cidofovir and Tenofovir disoproxil, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cidofovir with Tenofovir disoproxil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cidofovir and Tenofovir disoproxil 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 causes dose-related proximal tubular toxicity and is eliminated by active tubular secretion, as is tenofovir. Combined use increases the chance of acute kidney injury and may raise tenofovir concentrations. Labeling advises against combining nephrotoxic agents with tenofovir.
How serious is the interaction between Cidofovir and Tenofovir disoproxil?
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 use an alternative antiretroviral not dependent on renal handling if cidofovir is required. If unavoidable, monitor creatinine, phosphate and urinalysis closely and follow cidofovir hydration and probenecid requirements.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
