Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Gentamicin and Pentamidine: 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
Both drugs can injure the kidney, and the combination increases the risk of acute kidney injury. Pentamidine also causes electrolyte disturbances, and kidney impairment raises aminoglycoside levels and ototoxicity risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin and Pentamidine 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; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity from proximal tubular injury, with reduced gentamicin clearance as renal function declines.
What to do
Avoid the combination where alternatives exist. If necessary, monitor serum creatinine, electrolytes and gentamicin trough levels frequently and ensure good hydration.
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 Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
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 Gentamicin with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gentamicin and Pentamidine 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. Both drugs can injure the kidney, and the combination increases the risk of acute kidney injury. Pentamidine also causes electrolyte disturbances, and kidney impairment raises aminoglycoside levels and ototoxicity risk.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin and Pentamidine?
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 the combination where alternatives exist. If necessary, monitor serum creatinine, electrolytes and gentamicin trough levels frequently and ensure good hydration.
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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