Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Tobramycin
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen and Tobramycin: 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
Ibuprofen can impair renal function and reduce tobramycin clearance, leading to higher aminoglycoside levels, as seen in preterm infants. Raised levels increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Tobramycin 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.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tobramycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis decreases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration, reducing aminoglycoside excretion.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and tobramycin trough levels, and adjust the dose; avoid combining where possible in neonates and patients with renal impairment.
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 Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Other interactions of Tobramycin
- Cidofovir + Tobramycin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Tobramycin Major
- Amikacin + Tobramycin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Tobramycin Major
- Amphotericin b + Tobramycin Major
- Atracurium + Tobramycin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Tobramycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen and Tobramycin 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. Ibuprofen can impair renal function and reduce tobramycin clearance, leading to higher aminoglycoside levels, as seen in preterm infants. Raised levels increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Tobramycin?
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 creatinine and tobramycin trough levels, and adjust the dose; avoid combining where possible in neonates and patients with renal impairment.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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