Drug interactions
Cidofovir + Vancomycin
Severity: Major
Cidofovir and Vancomycin: major 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
Both drugs can injure the kidney, and combined use may raise the risk of acute kidney injury. Cidofovir carries a boxed warning for renal toxicity and its label advises against use with other nephrotoxic agents.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cidofovir and Vancomycin 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; Vancomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, with cidofovir causing proximal tubular injury and vancomycin contributing tubular toxicity.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if unavoidable, ensure hydration with probenecid per cidofovir protocol and monitor serum creatinine and urinalysis before each cidofovir dose. Consider alternatives to vancomycin.
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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Other interactions of Vancomycin
- Amikacin + Vancomycin Major
- Bacitracin + Vancomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Vancomycin Major
- Cephaloridine + Vancomycin Major
- Cisplatin + Vancomycin Major
- Colistin + Vancomycin 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 Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cidofovir and Vancomycin 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 can injure the kidney, and combined use may raise the risk of acute kidney injury. Cidofovir carries a boxed warning for renal toxicity and its label advises against use with other nephrotoxic agents.
How serious is the interaction between Cidofovir and Vancomycin?
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 concurrent use where possible; if unavoidable, ensure hydration with probenecid per cidofovir protocol and monitor serum creatinine and urinalysis before each cidofovir dose. Consider alternatives to vancomycin.
What other medicines interact with Vancomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vancomycin with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Vancomycin page.
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