Skip to content

Drug interactions

Ethacrynic acid + Tobramycin

Severity: Major

Ethacrynic acid and Tobramycin: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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 agents are ototoxic, and combined use raises the risk of permanent hearing loss and vestibular damage. Volume depletion and renal effects may increase tobramycin exposure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethacrynic acid and 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.

Ethacrynic acid belongs to Cardiovascular; Tobramycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

What to do

Avoid the combination if possible. If both are required, monitor audiometry, renal function and tobramycin levels, and maintain hydration.

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?

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

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ethacrynic acid and Tobramycin, 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

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ethacrynic acid with Tobramycin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethacrynic acid and 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. Both agents are ototoxic, and combined use raises the risk of permanent hearing loss and vestibular damage. Volume depletion and renal effects may increase tobramycin exposure.

How serious is the interaction between Ethacrynic acid and 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 if possible. If both are required, monitor audiometry, renal function and tobramycin levels, and maintain hydration.

What other medicines interact with Tobramycin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tobramycin with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Tobramycin 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.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in