Drug interactions
Pentamidine + Tacrolimus
Severity: Major
Pentamidine and Tacrolimus: 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 prolong the QT interval, raising the risk of torsades de pointes. Pentamidine also causes nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemia and dysglycemia, which may compound tacrolimus toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentamidine and Tacrolimus 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.
Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, plus overlapping nephrotoxicity and hyperkalemia.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If necessary, monitor ECG, electrolytes including potassium and magnesium, and renal function and tacrolimus trough levels.
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 Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
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 Pentamidine with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentamidine and Tacrolimus 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 prolong the QT interval, raising the risk of torsades de pointes. Pentamidine also causes nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemia and dysglycemia, which may compound tacrolimus toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Pentamidine and Tacrolimus?
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 if possible. If necessary, monitor ECG, electrolytes including potassium and magnesium, and renal function and tacrolimus trough levels.
What other medicines interact with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tacrolimus with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Cidofovir. The full list is on the Tacrolimus page.
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