Drug interactions
Colistin + Streptomycin
Severity: Major
Colistin and Streptomycin: 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
Both drugs are nephrotoxic, and streptomycin is also ototoxic and vestibulotoxic. Together they raise the risk of kidney injury and of neuromuscular blockade and hearing or balance damage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistin and Streptomycin 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; Streptomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, plus additive neurotoxicity and neuromuscular blockade, from both agents.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible. If it is essential, monitor renal function and streptomycin levels, assess hearing and vestibular function, and watch for neuromuscular weakness.
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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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
Other interactions of Streptomycin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colistin with Streptomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Colistin and Streptomycin 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. Both drugs are nephrotoxic, and streptomycin is also ototoxic and vestibulotoxic. Together they raise the risk of kidney injury and of neuromuscular blockade and hearing or balance damage.
How serious is the interaction between Colistin and Streptomycin?
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 concurrent use where possible. If it is essential, monitor renal function and streptomycin levels, assess hearing and vestibular function, and watch for neuromuscular weakness.
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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