Drug Interaction Report

Using etidronate together with tobramycin can cause damage to the kidneys and hypocalcemia (low blood calcium). Symptoms of kidney damage include swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, pain in your lower back, and urinating more or less than usual or not at all. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle spasms, convulsions, mental changes (irritability, depression, psychosis), increased pressure on the brain, and an irregular heartbeat. If you take both medications together, tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use these medications together. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food, especially calcium-containing food such as dairy products, significantly decreases the absorption of etidronate. For at least the first 2 hours after taking etidronate, do not eat or drink anything other than plain water, and do not take any other medicines including vitamins or mineral supplements which are high in metals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminum. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking etidronate tablets.

Etidronate and multivitamin with minerals should not be taken orally at the same time. Products that contain magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, and/or other minerals may interfere with the absorption of etidronate into the bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness. You should take multivitamin with minerals at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after the etidronate dose. Talk to a healthcare professional if you are not sure whether a product contains something that could potentially interact with your medication or if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.