Drug interactions
Cisplatin + Vancomycin
Severity: Major
Cisplatin 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
Cisplatin is markedly nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and vancomycin adds further renal risk. The combination raises the likelihood of acute kidney injury, and reduced clearance may in turn increase vancomycin levels and cisplatin-related hearing loss.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisplatin 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.
Cisplatin belongs to Oncology; Vancomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive proximal tubular toxicity, with reduced renal clearance increasing exposure to both drugs.
What to do
Use an alternative to vancomycin when possible. If necessary, monitor serum creatinine, magnesium and vancomycin levels closely, ensure hydration, and consider audiometry.
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
- Cidofovir + Vancomycin Major
- Colistin + Vancomycin 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 Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisplatin 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. Cisplatin is markedly nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and vancomycin adds further renal risk. The combination raises the likelihood of acute kidney injury, and reduced clearance may in turn increase vancomycin levels and cisplatin-related hearing loss.
How serious is the interaction between Cisplatin 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: Use an alternative to vancomycin when possible. If necessary, monitor serum creatinine, magnesium and vancomycin levels closely, ensure hydration, and consider audiometry.
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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