Polygeline and Gentamicin Ophthalmic: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Gentamicin Ophthalmic
Polygeline
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
An increased risk of renal failure
Interaction Deep Dive
A high incidence of renal failure (serum creatinine increase greater than 50%) was observed in patients treated with polygeline 3.5% and gentamicin for elective coronary artery bypass graft1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
High calcium content in polygeline solution can potentiate aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity in patients who sustained an ischemia/reperfusion type injury to the kidney
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) In a retrospective study of 267 patients (mean age 63 years) who had undergone elective coronary artery bypass graft, a high incidence of renal failure (serum creatinine increase greater than 50%) was observed in patients treated with polygeline 3.5% and gentamicin 1. In the combination polygeline (one liter plus crystalloids as priming solution for cardiopulmonary bypass circuit, calcium concentration 6.25 mmol/L) and gentamicin (6 mg/kg/day in four doses for antibiotic prophylaxis) group, renal failure was 31%; 12% with polygeline alone (p equal to 0.005), 7% with gentamicin alone (p equal 0.002) and 2% in neither (p equal to 0.0001). No patient in any group required dialysis.
Common questions
Can I take Polygeline and Gentamicin Ophthalmic together?
An increased risk of renal failure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Polygeline and Gentamicin Ophthalmic interaction?
It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Polygeline or Gentamicin Ophthalmic need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (1)
- Schneider M, Valentine S, Clarke GM, et al: Acute renal failure in cardiac surgical patients, potentiated by gentamicin and calcium. Anaesth Inten Care 1996; 24(6):647-650. PubMed
Keep reading about Gentamicin Ophthalmic
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