Drug interactions
Cisplatin + Gentamicin
Severity: Major
Cisplatin and Gentamicin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and cisplatin also causes magnesium and potassium wasting. Combined use markedly increases the risk of acute kidney injury and irreversible hearing loss.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisplatin and Gentamicin 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; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity through separate toxic effects on renal tubular and cochlear cells.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible and choose a non-nephrotoxic antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor creatinine, magnesium, potassium and hearing, and guide gentamicin dosing with levels.
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 Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin 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 Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisplatin and Gentamicin 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 nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and cisplatin also causes magnesium and potassium wasting. Combined use markedly increases the risk of acute kidney injury and irreversible hearing loss.
How serious is the interaction between Cisplatin and Gentamicin?
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 and choose a non-nephrotoxic antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor creatinine, magnesium, potassium and hearing, and guide gentamicin dosing with levels.
What other medicines interact with Gentamicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gentamicin with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Gentamicin page.
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