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Drug interactions

Gentamicin + Metaproterenol

Severity: Moderate

Gentamicin and Metaproterenol: 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

Metaproterenol is a beta-2 agonist that can lower serum potassium by cellular uptake, and gentamicin can add renal potassium and magnesium loss. Combined hypokalemia may increase arrhythmia risk, especially at high bronchodilator doses.

What this interaction means in plain words

Gentamicin and Metaproterenol 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Beta-2 mediated intracellular potassium shift plus aminoglycoside renal electrolyte wasting.

What to do

Monitor serum potassium and magnesium with frequent or high-dose metaproterenol use, and replace as needed.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Gentamicin with Metaproterenol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gentamicin and Metaproterenol 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. Metaproterenol is a beta-2 agonist that can lower serum potassium by cellular uptake, and gentamicin can add renal potassium and magnesium loss. Combined hypokalemia may increase arrhythmia risk, especially at high bronchodilator doses.

How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin and Metaproterenol?

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 serum potassium and magnesium with frequent or high-dose metaproterenol use, and replace as needed.

What other medicines interact with Gentamicin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Gentamicin with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Gentamicin page.

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