Drug interactions
Cisplatin + Colistin
Severity: Major
Cisplatin and Colistin: 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
Cisplatin is markedly nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and colistin adds further renal tubular toxicity. The combination can cause serious acute kidney injury and hearing loss that may be irreversible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisplatin 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.
Cisplatin belongs to Oncology; Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity through direct tubular and cochlear injury.
What to do
Avoid the combination when alternatives exist. If unavoidable, ensure hydration, monitor creatinine, electrolytes and magnesium frequently, and assess hearing.
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 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 Cisplatin
- Cidofovir + Cisplatin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Cisplatin Major
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Cisplatin Major
- Amikacin + Cisplatin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Cisplatin Major
- Amphotericin b + Cisplatin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cisplatin with Colistin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisplatin 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. Cisplatin is markedly nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and colistin adds further renal tubular toxicity. The combination can cause serious acute kidney injury and hearing loss that may be irreversible.
How serious is the interaction between Cisplatin 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 when alternatives exist. If unavoidable, ensure hydration, monitor creatinine, electrolytes and magnesium frequently, and assess hearing.
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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