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Drug interactions

Diclofenac + Tobramycin

Severity: Moderate

Diclofenac and Tobramycin: 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

NSAIDs may reduce renal clearance of aminoglycosides and can themselves be nephrotoxic, so tobramycin levels and kidney injury risk may rise. The effect is best described in neonates, with limited data for diclofenac in adults.

What this interaction means in plain words

Diclofenac and Tobramycin 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.

Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tobramycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

NSAID-related reduction in renal prostaglandin-dependent perfusion and glomerular filtration may decrease tobramycin elimination.

What to do

Monitor serum creatinine and tobramycin trough levels, ensure adequate hydration, and avoid the combination in patients with reduced 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Diclofenac with Tobramycin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Tobramycin 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. NSAIDs may reduce renal clearance of aminoglycosides and can themselves be nephrotoxic, so tobramycin levels and kidney injury risk may rise. The effect is best described in neonates, with limited data for diclofenac in adults.

How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Tobramycin?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum creatinine and tobramycin trough levels, ensure adequate hydration, and avoid the combination in patients with reduced renal function.

What other medicines interact with Diclofenac?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Diclofenac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Diclofenac page.

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