Drug interactions
Ganciclovir + Sulfamethoxazole
Severity: Moderate
Ganciclovir and Sulfamethoxazole: 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
Sulfamethoxazole, usually given with trimethoprim, can cause myelosuppression, and ganciclovir has similar effects, so hematologic toxicity may be additive. Renal effects of the combination may also raise ganciclovir exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ganciclovir and Sulfamethoxazole 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.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression, with possible reduced renal clearance of ganciclovir.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts and renal function during combined use, and adjust ganciclovir dose to creatinine clearance.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ganciclovir with Sulfamethoxazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ganciclovir and Sulfamethoxazole 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. Sulfamethoxazole, usually given with trimethoprim, can cause myelosuppression, and ganciclovir has similar effects, so hematologic toxicity may be additive. Renal effects of the combination may also raise ganciclovir exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Ganciclovir and Sulfamethoxazole?
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 renal function during combined use, and adjust ganciclovir dose to creatinine clearance.
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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