Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Piperacillin-tazobactam
Severity: Moderate
Gentamicin and Piperacillin-tazobactam: 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
The combination provides synergistic activity, but piperacillin can inactivate gentamicin when mixed or when clearance is impaired. Reports also suggest possible additive nephrotoxicity with piperacillin-tazobactam plus aminoglycosides.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin and Piperacillin-tazobactam 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.
Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Piperacillin-tazobactam belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic synergy, with chemical inactivation of the aminoglycoside by the penicillin, particularly in renal failure.
What to do
Administer separately and never mix in the same container. Monitor gentamicin levels and serum creatinine.
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 Piperacillin-tazobactam
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 Piperacillin-tazobactam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gentamicin and Piperacillin-tazobactam 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. The combination provides synergistic activity, but piperacillin can inactivate gentamicin when mixed or when clearance is impaired. Reports also suggest possible additive nephrotoxicity with piperacillin-tazobactam plus aminoglycosides.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin and Piperacillin-tazobactam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Administer separately and never mix in the same container. Monitor gentamicin levels and serum creatinine.
What other medicines interact with Piperacillin-tazobactam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Piperacillin-tazobactam with, for example, Vancomycin, Amikacin, Antithrombin alfa. The full list is on the Piperacillin-tazobactam page.
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