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Drug interactions

Foscarnet + Tobramycin

Severity: Major

Foscarnet 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 drugs are nephrotoxic, and combining them raises the risk of acute kidney injury. Reduced renal function in turn increases tobramycin accumulation and ototoxicity risk.

What this interaction means in plain words

Foscarnet 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.

Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals; Tobramycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive nephrotoxicity affecting renal tubular cells, with secondary aminoglycoside accumulation.

What to do

Avoid the combination where alternatives exist; otherwise hydrate, monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently, and measure tobramycin levels.

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.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Foscarnet with Tobramycin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Foscarnet 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 drugs are nephrotoxic, and combining them raises the risk of acute kidney injury. Reduced renal function in turn increases tobramycin accumulation and ototoxicity risk.

How serious is the interaction between Foscarnet 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 where alternatives exist; otherwise hydrate, monitor creatinine and electrolytes frequently, and measure tobramycin levels.

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

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