Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Ibuprofen
Severity: Major
Gentamicin and Ibuprofen: major 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
NSAIDs can reduce renal function and glomerular filtration, which can decrease gentamicin clearance and raise serum levels. This increases the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, especially in neonates, the elderly or volume-depleted patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin and Ibuprofen 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.
Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
NSAID-induced reduction of renal prostaglandin-dependent perfusion lowers aminoglycoside clearance, and both drugs are nephrotoxic.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if needed, monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin trough levels and adjust the aminoglycoside dose accordingly.
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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Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Other interactions of Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gentamicin with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gentamicin and Ibuprofen 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. NSAIDs can reduce renal function and glomerular filtration, which can decrease gentamicin clearance and raise serum levels. This increases the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, especially in neonates, the elderly or volume-depleted patients.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin and Ibuprofen?
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 combining where possible; if needed, monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin trough levels and adjust the aminoglycoside dose accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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