Drug interactions
Foscarnet + Vancomycin
Severity: Major
Foscarnet and Vancomycin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Foscarnet is strongly nephrotoxic and causes electrolyte disturbances; combined with vancomycin the risk of acute kidney injury rises. Worsening renal function also increases vancomycin exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Foscarnet and Vancomycin 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; Vancomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, with foscarnet causing tubular injury and crystal nephropathy.
What to do
Maintain hydration with saline and monitor creatinine, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphate frequently. Adjust both drugs to renal function and use vancomycin level monitoring.
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 Vancomycin
- Amikacin + Vancomycin Major
- Bacitracin + Vancomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Vancomycin Major
- Cephaloridine + Vancomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Vancomycin Major
- Cisplatin + Vancomycin Major
Other interactions of Foscarnet
- Cidofovir + Foscarnet Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Foscarnet Major
- Adefovir + Foscarnet Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Foscarnet with Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Foscarnet and Vancomycin 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 is strongly nephrotoxic and causes electrolyte disturbances; combined with vancomycin the risk of acute kidney injury rises. Worsening renal function also increases vancomycin exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Foscarnet and Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Maintain hydration with saline and monitor creatinine, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphate frequently. Adjust both drugs to renal function and use vancomycin level monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Vancomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vancomycin with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Vancomycin page.
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