Drug interactions
Colistin + Dexamethasone-tobramycin
Severity: Major
Colistin and Dexamethasone-tobramycin: 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
Colistin and tobramycin are both nephrotoxic and may cause neurotoxicity, so combined systemic use increases the risk of acute kidney injury. Neuromuscular blockade is also additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistin and Dexamethasone-tobramycin 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.
Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Dexamethasone-tobramycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive tubular toxicity and neuromuscular blocking effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination unless needed for resistant infection. If used, monitor serum creatinine daily, tobramycin levels and neurological or respiratory status.
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 Dexamethasone-tobramycin
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 Dexamethasone-tobramycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Colistin and Dexamethasone-tobramycin 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. Colistin and tobramycin are both nephrotoxic and may cause neurotoxicity, so combined systemic use increases the risk of acute kidney injury. Neuromuscular blockade is also additive.
How serious is the interaction between Colistin and Dexamethasone-tobramycin?
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 unless needed for resistant infection. If used, monitor serum creatinine daily, tobramycin levels and neurological or respiratory status.
What other medicines interact with Dexamethasone-tobramycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexamethasone-tobramycin with, for example, Capreomycin, Carboplatin, Ciprofloxacin. The full list is on the Dexamethasone-tobramycin page.
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