Drug interactions
Salicylates + Tobramycin
Severity: Moderate
Salicylates 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
Non-acetylated salicylates may reduce renal clearance of tobramycin through effects on renal prostaglandins and function. Raised aminoglycoside levels could increase nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, and salicylates themselves can cause tinnitus, complicating assessment. The effect is mainly described in preterm infants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Salicylates 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.
Why it happens
Reduced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration lower tobramycin elimination.
What to do
Monitor tobramycin levels and renal function, particularly in neonates and patients with kidney disease. Consider alternative analgesics when possible.
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 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 Salicylates with Tobramycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Salicylates 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. Non-acetylated salicylates may reduce renal clearance of tobramycin through effects on renal prostaglandins and function. Raised aminoglycoside levels could increase nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, and salicylates themselves can cause tinnitus, complicating assessment. The effect is mainly described in preterm infants.
How serious is the interaction between Salicylates 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 tobramycin levels and renal function, particularly in neonates and patients with kidney disease. Consider alternative analgesics when possible.
What other medicines interact with Tobramycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tobramycin with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Tobramycin page.
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