Objective: The simultaneous use of colistin and captopril was studied to find the effect on renal function.
Methodology: The study was performed at Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Colistin was given as intravenous infusion followed by intra-muscular injections to rabbits for six days in two different doses as low and high toxic groups. Captopril was given orally alone and in combination with the low and high toxic dose. Serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium were recorded and histopathological studies of kidneys done.
Results: All the serum markers of renal functions were escalated. The histopathology showed grade 2 and grade 3 nephrotoxicity.
Conclusion: Patients with serious infections undergoing treatment with colistin must not be given captopril, as the nephrotoxicity is potentiated with this combination even when the dose of colistin is less.