Drug interactions
Colistin + Paromomycin
Severity: Minor
Colistin and Paromomycin: minor 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
Oral paromomycin is poorly absorbed, so systemic nephrotoxicity is uncommon, though absorption may rise with intestinal inflammation or renal impairment. With systemic colistin, additive kidney or ear toxicity is possible but unlikely in most patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistin and Paromomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Paromomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Potential additive nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity if paromomycin is absorbed systemically.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine during colistin therapy, especially in patients with bowel ulceration or renal impairment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Other interactions of Paromomycin
- Cidofovir + Paromomycin Major
- Adefovir + Paromomycin Moderate
- Amikacin + Paromomycin Moderate
- Amphotericin b + Paromomycin Moderate
- Atracurium + Paromomycin Moderate
- Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin + Paromomycin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colistin with Paromomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Colistin and Paromomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral paromomycin is poorly absorbed, so systemic nephrotoxicity is uncommon, though absorption may rise with intestinal inflammation or renal impairment. With systemic colistin, additive kidney or ear toxicity is possible but unlikely in most patients.
How serious is the interaction between Colistin and Paromomycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum creatinine during colistin therapy, especially in patients with bowel ulceration or renal impairment.
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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