Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Triamterene
Severity: Moderate
Gentamicin and Triamterene: 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
Gentamicin can cause renal tubular injury with potassium and magnesium wasting, while triamterene retains potassium and has its own nephrotoxic potential. The net effect on potassium is unpredictable, and gentamicin-related renal decline increases the risk of hyperkalemia and further kidney injury.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin and Triamterene 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; Triamterene belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Opposing effects on renal potassium handling combined with additive nephrotoxicity.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium, magnesium and creatinine during combined therapy and hold triamterene if renal function worsens.
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 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 Triamterene
- Amiloride + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Potassium citrate / citric acid + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Potassium citrate + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Spironolactone + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Triamterene Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gentamicin with Triamterene?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gentamicin and Triamterene 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 can cause renal tubular injury with potassium and magnesium wasting, while triamterene retains potassium and has its own nephrotoxic potential. The net effect on potassium is unpredictable, and gentamicin-related renal decline increases the risk of hyperkalemia and further kidney injury.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin and Triamterene?
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, magnesium and creatinine during combined therapy and hold triamterene if renal function worsens.
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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