Drug interactions
Polymyxin b + Streptomycin
Severity: Major
Polymyxin b and Streptomycin: 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 agents are nephrotoxic and neurotoxic, and polymyxin B also causes neuromuscular blockade. Combined use increases the risk of kidney failure, ototoxicity and respiratory muscle weakness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Polymyxin b and Streptomycin 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.
Polymyxin b belongs to Anti Bacterial; Streptomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and neuromuscular blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If unavoidable, monitor renal function, hearing and neuromuscular and respiratory status, and adjust doses to renal function.
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 Streptomycin
Other interactions of Polymyxin b
- Cidofovir + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Acyclovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Adefovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Amikacin + Polymyxin b Major
- Amphotericin b + Polymyxin b Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Polymyxin b with Streptomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Polymyxin b and Streptomycin 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 agents are nephrotoxic and neurotoxic, and polymyxin B also causes neuromuscular blockade. Combined use increases the risk of kidney failure, ototoxicity and respiratory muscle weakness.
How serious is the interaction between Polymyxin b and Streptomycin?
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 an alternative exists. If unavoidable, monitor renal function, hearing and neuromuscular and respiratory status, and adjust doses to renal function.
What other medicines interact with Streptomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Streptomycin with, for example, Abobotulinumtoxina, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Streptomycin page.
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