Drug interactions
Colistin + Methoxyflurane
Severity: Major
Colistin and Methoxyflurane: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Methoxyflurane releases fluoride during metabolism, which can cause dose-related kidney injury, and colistin is nephrotoxic. The combination may increase the risk of renal damage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistin and Methoxyflurane 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.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, with fluoride-mediated tubular injury from methoxyflurane and direct tubular toxicity from colistin.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, and keep methoxyflurane doses at the lowest effective level if both are needed. Monitor renal function closely.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Colistin and Methoxyflurane, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Methoxyflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Colistin and Methoxyflurane 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. Methoxyflurane releases fluoride during metabolism, which can cause dose-related kidney injury, and colistin is nephrotoxic. The combination may increase the risk of renal damage.
How serious is the interaction between Colistin and Methoxyflurane?
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 where possible, and keep methoxyflurane doses at the lowest effective level if both are needed. Monitor renal function closely.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
