Does Cilastatin Interact with Valganciclovir?
Cilastatin and Valganciclovir have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Table 9 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions with Ganciclovir Name of the Concomitant Drug Change in the Concentration of Ganciclovir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comment Imipenem-cilastatin Unknown Coadministration with imipenemcilastatin is not recommended because generalized seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir and imipenemcilastatin Cyclosporine or amphotericin B Unknown Monitor renal function when Valganciclovir hydrochloride is coadministered with cyclosporine or amphotericin B because of potential increase in serum creatinine [see Warningsand Precautions (5.2) ]. Imipenem-cilastatin: Seizures were reported in patients receiving ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Valganciclovir Class
- Cytomegalovirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Cilastatin and your doctor is considering prescribing Valganciclovir (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider