Drug interactions
Ganciclovir + Pentamidine
Severity: Moderate
Ganciclovir and Pentamidine: 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
Both agents can cause myelosuppression, and systemic pentamidine is also nephrotoxic, which can reduce ganciclovir clearance. Combined use may increase hematologic and renal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ganciclovir and Pentamidine 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.
Ganciclovir belongs to Anti Virals; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression and pentamidine nephrotoxicity reducing ganciclovir elimination.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts and serum creatinine regularly, and adjust ganciclovir dose to 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?
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Other interactions of Ganciclovir
Other interactions of Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ganciclovir with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ganciclovir and Pentamidine 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. Both agents can cause myelosuppression, and systemic pentamidine is also nephrotoxic, which can reduce ganciclovir clearance. Combined use may increase hematologic and renal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Ganciclovir and Pentamidine?
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 complete blood counts and serum creatinine regularly, and adjust ganciclovir dose to renal function.
What other medicines interact with Ganciclovir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ganciclovir with, for example, Bacitracin, Cilastatin-imipenem, Didanosine. The full list is on the Ganciclovir page.
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