From the Research
There is no significant drug interaction between remdesivir and cefazolin that would require dose adjustments or contraindicate their concurrent use. These medications can generally be administered together safely when clinically indicated. Remdesivir is an antiviral medication that works by inhibiting viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, while cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. They have different mechanisms of action, metabolic pathways, and elimination routes. Remdesivir is primarily metabolized by hydrolysis and eliminated renally, while cefazolin is primarily excreted unchanged through the kidneys.
When administering these medications together, standard monitoring of renal function is advisable as both drugs can affect kidney function, but this is part of routine care rather than a specific interaction concern, as noted in a study on remdesivir use in patients with severe renal impairment 1. As with any medication regimen, patients should be monitored for individual side effects of each drug, but there are no known synergistic adverse effects when used in combination.
It's worth noting that remdesivir has been associated with potential kidney damage, as reported in a pharmacovigilance database analysis 2 and a study on the incidence of acute renal failure 3. However, the most recent study on the incidence of elevated liver enzyme levels in patients receiving remdesivir found that the increase in liver enzymes was mild and moderate, and not statistically significant for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or bilirubin levels 4.
In terms of prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the available evidence suggests that the benefits of using remdesivir and cefazolin together outweigh the potential risks, as long as patients are closely monitored for any adverse effects. The use of remdesivir and cefazolin together can be considered safe and effective when clinically indicated, with standard monitoring of renal function and individual side effects.