Drug interactions
Colistin + Contrast media
Severity: Moderate
Colistin and Contrast media: moderate 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
Colistin is nephrotoxic, and iodinated contrast can cause contrast-associated acute kidney injury. Used together, the risk of kidney injury is increased, and reduced renal clearance may in turn raise colistin exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistin and Contrast media can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity affecting renal tubular cells.
What to do
Use contrast only when necessary, ensure adequate hydration and monitor serum creatinine before and after the procedure. Adjust the colistin dose to renal function.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colistin with Contrast media?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Colistin and Contrast media can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Colistin is nephrotoxic, and iodinated contrast can cause contrast-associated acute kidney injury. Used together, the risk of kidney injury is increased, and reduced renal clearance may in turn raise colistin exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Colistin and Contrast media?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use contrast only when necessary, ensure adequate hydration and monitor serum creatinine before and after the procedure. Adjust the colistin dose to renal function.
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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