Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Indomethacin
Severity: Major
Gentamicin and Indomethacin: 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
Indomethacin can raise gentamicin serum concentrations, especially in premature neonates, and both drugs are nephrotoxic. This increases the risk of aminoglycoside toxicity and renal injury.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin and Indomethacin 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; Indomethacin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
NSAID-induced reduction in renal prostaglandins and glomerular filtration decreases aminoglycoside clearance, with additive nephrotoxicity.
What to do
Monitor gentamicin serum levels and renal function closely and adjust dosing accordingly. Avoid the combination in neonates and renally impaired patients where alternatives exist.
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 Indomethacin
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Indomethacin Major
- Acemetacin + Indomethacin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Indomethacin Major
- Alteplase + Indomethacin 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 Indomethacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gentamicin and Indomethacin 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. Indomethacin can raise gentamicin serum concentrations, especially in premature neonates, and both drugs are nephrotoxic. This increases the risk of aminoglycoside toxicity and renal injury.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin and Indomethacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor gentamicin serum levels and renal function closely and adjust dosing accordingly. Avoid the combination in neonates and renally impaired patients where alternatives exist.
What other medicines interact with Indomethacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Indomethacin with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Indomethacin page.
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