Interactions between Atracurium and Neomycin
1 drug interaction and 22 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- atracurium
- neomycin
Drug interactions
Major drug interactions
Major:
atracurium neomycin
Applies to: atracurium and neomycin
Generally avoid
Aminoglycosides possess neuromuscular blocking activity, which may be additive with that of depolarizing and nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, potentially resulting in severe and/or prolonged respiratory depression during concomitant use. Aminoglycosides inhibit the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions by interfering with calcium influx. They also appear to decrease the sensitivity of postsynaptic membrane to acetylcholine. The interaction has been observed with various routes of aminoglycoside administration including oral, intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, esophageal, intraluminal, intradural, and beneath skin flaps. Respiratory paralysis and fatalities have been reported. Patients at increased risk include those with renal impairment and/or hypocalcemia.
Management
The use of aminoglycosides should generally be avoided during and immediately after surgery in which neuromuscular blockers have been employed. If these agents are used concurrently, vital signs should be closely monitored and drug dosages adjusted accordingly. In addition, ventilatory support should be readily available in case of respiratory arrest. Treatment with anticholinesterases and calcium may not always be effective in reversing the neuromuscular blockade caused by these agents.
References (17)
- Kronenfeld MA, Thomas SJ, Turndorf H (1986) "Recurrence of neuromuscular blockade after reversal of vecuronium in a patient receiving polymyxin/amikacin sternal irrigation." Anesthesiology, 65, p. 93-4
- Lippmann M, Yang E, Au E, Lee C (1982) "Neuromuscular blocking effects of tobramycin, gentamicin, and cefazolin." Anesth Analg, 61, p. 767-70
- Dupuis JY, Martin R, Tetrault JP (1989) "Atracurium and vecuronium interaction with gentamicin and tobramycin." Can J Anaesth, 36, p. 407-11
- Pittinger CB, Eryasa Y, Adamson R (1970) "Antibiotic-induced paralysis." Anesth Analg, 49, p. 487-501
- Giala MM, Paradelis AG (1979) "Two cases of prolonged respiratory depression due to interaction of pancuronium with colistin and streptomycin." J Antimicrob Chemother, 5, p. 234-5
- Warner WA, Sanders E (1971) "Neuromuscular blockade associated with gentamicin therapy." JAMA, 215, p. 1153-4
- Burkett L, Bikhazi GB, Thomas KC Jr, Rosenthal DA, Wirta MG, Foldes FF (1979) "Mutual potentiation of the neuromuscular effects of antibiotics and relaxants." Anesth Analg, 58, p. 107-15
- Chapple DJ, Clark JL, Hughes R (1983) "Interaction between atracurium and drugs used in anaesthesia." Br J Anaesth, 55 Suppl, s17-22
- (2001) "Product Information. Humatin (paromomycin)." Parke-Davis
- Giala M, Sareyiannis C, Cortsaris N, Paradelis A, Lappas DG (1982) "Possible interaction of pancuronium and tubocurarine with oral neomycin." Anaesthesia, 37, p. 776
- Jedeikin R, Dolgunski E, Kaplan R, Hoffman S (1987) "Prolongation of neuromuscular blocking effect of vecuronium by antibiotics." Anaesthesia, 42, p. 858-60
- Regan AG, Perumbetti PP (1980) "Pancuronium and gentamicin interaction in patients with renal failure." Anesth Analg, 59, p. 393
- Vanacker BF, Van de Walle J (1986) "The neuromuscular blocking action of vecuronium in normal patients and in patients with no renal function and interaction vecuronium- tobramycin in renal transplant patients." Acta Anaesthesiol Belg, 37, p. 95-9
- Geha DG, Blitt CD, Moon BJ (1976) "Prolonged neuromuscular blockade with pancuronium in the presence of acute renal failure: a case report." Anesth Analg, 55, p. 343-5
- Hasfurther DL, Bailey PL (1996) "Failure of neuromuscular blockade reversal after rocuronium in a patient who received oral neomycin." Can J Anaesth, 43, p. 617-20
- Levanen J, Nordman R (1975) "Complete respiratory paralysis caused by a large dose of streptomycin and its treatment with calcium chloride." Ann Clin Res, 7, p. 47-9
- (2018) "Product Information. Arikayce (amikacin liposome)." Insmed Incorporated
Food/lifestyle interactions
No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease interactions
22 potential interactions Applies to: 21 conditions, including Allergies, Asthma, Diarrhea, Myasthenia Gravis, and Tinnitus.
Allergies
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Allergies.
Some neuromuscular blocking agents stimulate the release of histamine, which can cause wheezing, bronchospasm, increased bronchial secretions, hypotension, tachycardia, and circulatory collapse. Hypotension may also occur due to ganglionic blockade or as a complication of positive pressure respiration. Tubocurarine appears to be the most potent inducer of histamine, followed by metocurine (no longer commercially available in the U.S.) and succinylcholine. Other agents with varying but lesser degrees of histamine-releasing properties include atracurium, mivacurium, and pancuronium (at excessive dosages). Therapy with these neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with clinically significant cardiovascular disease and/or a history of asthma or severe allergic reactions. Certain agents may prolong the QTc interval, especially during general anesthesia in pediatric patients. The initial dosage and rate of administration may need to be reduced, and hemodynamic and respiratory status carefully monitored. Neuromuscular blocking agents that appear to have little or no histamine-inducing effects include cisatracurium, doxacurium, pipecuronium, rocuronium, and vecuronium.
Asthma
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Asthma.
Some neuromuscular blocking agents stimulate the release of histamine, which can cause wheezing, bronchospasm, increased bronchial secretions, hypotension, tachycardia, and circulatory collapse. Hypotension may also occur due to ganglionic blockade or as a complication of positive pressure respiration. Tubocurarine appears to be the most potent inducer of histamine, followed by metocurine (no longer commercially available in the U.S.) and succinylcholine. Other agents with varying but lesser degrees of histamine-releasing properties include atracurium, mivacurium, and pancuronium (at excessive dosages). Therapy with these neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with clinically significant cardiovascular disease and/or a history of asthma or severe allergic reactions. Certain agents may prolong the QTc interval, especially during general anesthesia in pediatric patients. The initial dosage and rate of administration may need to be reduced, and hemodynamic and respiratory status carefully monitored. Neuromuscular blocking agents that appear to have little or no histamine-inducing effects include cisatracurium, doxacurium, pipecuronium, rocuronium, and vecuronium.
Botulism
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Botulism.
Therapy with aminoglycosides should be administered cautiously in patients with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, parkinsonian syndrome, botulism) or hypocalcemia. Aminoglycosides can aggravate muscle weakness because of their potential curare-like effects on the neuromuscular junction, and may cause neuromuscular blockade, respiratory failure, and prolonged respiratory paralysis on these patients. Aminoglycoside- induced neuromuscular blockade is generally self-limiting, it may rarely result in respiratory paralysis. Neomycin is thought to be the most potent neuromuscular blocking agent in the class. However, the risk is greatest with intraperitoneal or intrapleural instillation of large doses or rapid intravenous administration of parenteral aminoglycosides. If signs of respiratory paralysis occur during aminoglycoside therapy, the drug should be discontinued and mechanical respiratory assistance provided if necessary.
Burns, External
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Burns, External.
Patients with burns may develop resistance to non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. These patients may experience a shorter duration of action and/or require higher dosages of the drugs. The extent of altered response depends on the duration since and the size of the burn.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Some neuromuscular blocking agents stimulate the release of histamine, which can cause wheezing, bronchospasm, increased bronchial secretions, hypotension, tachycardia, and circulatory collapse. Hypotension may also occur due to ganglionic blockade or as a complication of positive pressure respiration. Tubocurarine appears to be the most potent inducer of histamine, followed by metocurine (no longer commercially available in the U.S.) and succinylcholine. Other agents with varying but lesser degrees of histamine-releasing properties include atracurium, mivacurium, and pancuronium (at excessive dosages). Therapy with these neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with clinically significant cardiovascular disease and/or a history of asthma or severe allergic reactions. Certain agents may prolong the QTc interval, especially during general anesthesia in pediatric patients. The initial dosage and rate of administration may need to be reduced, and hemodynamic and respiratory status carefully monitored. Neuromuscular blocking agents that appear to have little or no histamine-inducing effects include cisatracurium, doxacurium, pipecuronium, rocuronium, and vecuronium.
Colonic Ulceration
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Colonic Ulceration.
The use of neomycin oral solution is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory or ulcerative gastrointestinal diseases because of the potential for enhanced absorption of neomycin. Like other aminoglycosides, neomycin is potentially oto- and nephrotoxic, and systemic exposure should be avoided if possible.
Dehydration
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.
Adequate hydration is crucial to minimize the risk of oto- and nephrotoxicity associated with the use of aminoglycosides. Dehydration should preferably be corrected prior to initiation of therapy. In patients who may be at risk for dehydration, such as those with severe and/or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, fluid status should be monitored closely. If signs of renal irritation develop during therapy, hydration should be increased as indicated, accompanied by a reduction in dosage if necessary. Therapy should be withdrawn if urinary output decreases progressively or azotemia increases.
Diarrhea
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.
Adequate hydration is crucial to minimize the risk of oto- and nephrotoxicity associated with the use of aminoglycosides. Dehydration should preferably be corrected prior to initiation of therapy. In patients who may be at risk for dehydration, such as those with severe and/or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, fluid status should be monitored closely. If signs of renal irritation develop during therapy, hydration should be increased as indicated, accompanied by a reduction in dosage if necessary. Therapy should be withdrawn if urinary output decreases progressively or azotemia increases.
Hearing Loss
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Hearing Loss.
Aminoglycosides can cause eighth cranial nerve damage, resulting in vestibular and/or auditory toxicities. Symptoms include dizziness, nystagmus, vertigo, ataxia, tinnitus, and varying degrees of hearing impairment. Permanent hearing loss may occur, including, rarely, total or partial irreversible bilateral deafness after the drug has been discontinued. Therapy with aminoglycosides, particularly if prolonged (> 10 days), should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting vestibular and/or auditory impairment, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a drug-induced ototoxic effect. To minimize the risk of toxicity, patients should be adequately hydrated, the usual aminoglycoside dosage should not be exceeded, use with other ototoxic agents should be avoided, and peak and trough serum aminoglycoside concentrations should be periodically determined and dosage adjusted to maintain desired levels. Serial audiograms should be obtained in patients old enough to be tested, since loss of high- frequency perception usually precedes clinical hearing loss. The dosage should be reduced or therapy withdrawn promptly if signs and symptoms of toxicity develop.
Hypocalcemia
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Hypocalcemia.
Therapy with aminoglycosides should be administered cautiously in patients with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, parkinsonian syndrome, botulism) or hypocalcemia. Aminoglycosides can aggravate muscle weakness because of their potential curare-like effects on the neuromuscular junction, and may cause neuromuscular blockade, respiratory failure, and prolonged respiratory paralysis on these patients. Aminoglycoside- induced neuromuscular blockade is generally self-limiting, it may rarely result in respiratory paralysis. Neomycin is thought to be the most potent neuromuscular blocking agent in the class. However, the risk is greatest with intraperitoneal or intrapleural instillation of large doses or rapid intravenous administration of parenteral aminoglycosides. If signs of respiratory paralysis occur during aminoglycoside therapy, the drug should be discontinued and mechanical respiratory assistance provided if necessary.
Intestinal Obstruction
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Intestinal Obstruction.
The use of oral aminoglycosides is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction. Orally administered aminoglycosides are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and primarily eliminated unchanged in the feces. Drug retention and enhanced systemic absorption may occur in the presence of intestinal obstruction, increasing the risk of oto- and nephrotoxicity associated with these drugs.
Myasthenia Gravis
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.
The use of neuromuscular blocking agents may cause prolonged respiratory paralysis. Therapy with neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis. Use of a peripheral nerve stimulator may be helpful in evaluating the level of neuromuscular blockade.
Myoneural Disorder
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Myoneural Disorder.
Therapy with aminoglycosides should be administered cautiously in patients with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, parkinsonian syndrome, botulism) or hypocalcemia. Aminoglycosides can aggravate muscle weakness because of their potential curare-like effects on the neuromuscular junction, and may cause neuromuscular blockade, respiratory failure, and prolonged respiratory paralysis on these patients. Aminoglycoside- induced neuromuscular blockade is generally self-limiting, it may rarely result in respiratory paralysis. Neomycin is thought to be the most potent neuromuscular blocking agent in the class. However, the risk is greatest with intraperitoneal or intrapleural instillation of large doses or rapid intravenous administration of parenteral aminoglycosides. If signs of respiratory paralysis occur during aminoglycoside therapy, the drug should be discontinued and mechanical respiratory assistance provided if necessary.
Noninfectious Colitis
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Noninfectious Colitis.
Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), formerly pseudomembranous colitis, has been reported with almost all antibacterial drugs and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. The most common culprits include clindamycin and lincomycin. Antibacterial therapy alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C difficile, whose toxins A and B contribute to CDAD development. Morbidity and mortality are increased with hypertoxin-producing strains of C difficile; these infections can be resistant to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea after antibacterial use. Since CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after antibacterial use, careful medical history is necessary. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterials and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis; pseudomembranous colitis (generally characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and sometimes associated with the passage of blood and mucus), if it occurs, may be more severe in these patients and may be associated with flares in underlying disease activity. Antibacterial drugs not directed against C difficile may need to be stopped if CDAD is suspected or confirmed. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C difficile, and surgical evaluation should be started as clinically indicated.
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Noninfectious Colitis.
The use of neomycin oral solution is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory or ulcerative gastrointestinal diseases because of the potential for enhanced absorption of neomycin. Like other aminoglycosides, neomycin is potentially oto- and nephrotoxic, and systemic exposure should be avoided if possible.
Paralytic Disorder
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Paralytic Disorder.
Patients with hemiparesis or paraparesis may require higher dosages of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents in the affected limbs. Neuromuscular monitoring should be performed on a non-paretic limb to avoid inaccurate dosing.
Parkinsonism
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Parkinsonism.
Therapy with aminoglycosides should be administered cautiously in patients with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, parkinsonian syndrome, botulism) or hypocalcemia. Aminoglycosides can aggravate muscle weakness because of their potential curare-like effects on the neuromuscular junction, and may cause neuromuscular blockade, respiratory failure, and prolonged respiratory paralysis on these patients. Aminoglycoside- induced neuromuscular blockade is generally self-limiting, it may rarely result in respiratory paralysis. Neomycin is thought to be the most potent neuromuscular blocking agent in the class. However, the risk is greatest with intraperitoneal or intrapleural instillation of large doses or rapid intravenous administration of parenteral aminoglycosides. If signs of respiratory paralysis occur during aminoglycoside therapy, the drug should be discontinued and mechanical respiratory assistance provided if necessary.
Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.
Parenteral medications formulated in multidose vials often contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Their use is considered by drug manufacturers to be contraindicated in neonates, particularly premature infants and infants of low birth weight. When used in bacteriostatic saline intravascular flush and endotracheal tube lavage solutions, benzyl alcohol has been associated with fatalities and severe respiratory and metabolic complications in low-birth-weight premature infants. Thus, single-dose formulations should always be used in infants whenever possible. However, many experts feel that, in the absence of benzyl alcohol-free equivalents, the amount of the preservative present in these formulations should not necessarily preclude their use if they are clearly indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers benzyl alcohol in low doses (such as when used as a preservative in some medications) to be safe for newborns. However, the administration of high dosages of these medications must take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The level at which toxicity may occur is unknown.
Pulmonary Impairment
Major:
atracurium
Atracurium has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Neuromuscular blocking agents can cause respiratory depression and paralysis. Therapy with neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with pulmonary impairment. Treatment of respiratory paralysis consists of positive-pressure artificial respiration with oxygen and maintenance of a patent airway until the recovery of normal respiration is assured.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Aminoglycosides are potentially oto- and nephrotoxic. Eighth cranial nerve damage may manifest as vestibular and/or auditory toxicities, including dizziness, nystagmus, vertigo, ataxia, tinnitus, and varying degrees of hearing impairment. Nephrotoxicity is usually evidenced by tubular necrosis; increases in BUN, nonprotein nitrogen, and serum creatinine concentration; decreases in urine specific gravity and creatinine clearance; proteinuria; and cells or casts in the urine. Rarely, renal electrolyte wasting may occur, resulting in hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia that may be associated with paresthesia, tetany, confusion, and positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs. Although aminoglycoside- induced nephrotoxicity is generally reversible following discontinuation of the drug, death from uremia has occurred rarely. Therapy with aminoglycosides should be administered cautiously at reduced dosages in patients with renal impairment, since they may be at increased risk for oto- and nephrotoxicity due to drug accumulation. To minimize the risk of toxicity, patients should be adequately hydrated, the usual aminoglycoside dosage should not be exceeded, use with other neuro- and nephrotoxic agents should be avoided, and peak and trough serum aminoglycoside concentrations should be periodically determined and dosage adjusted to maintain desired levels. Renal and eighth cranial nerve function should be closely monitored, and the dosage reduced or therapy withdrawn if toxicity develops.
Tinnitus
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Tinnitus.
Aminoglycosides can cause eighth cranial nerve damage, resulting in vestibular and/or auditory toxicities. Symptoms include dizziness, nystagmus, vertigo, ataxia, tinnitus, and varying degrees of hearing impairment. Permanent hearing loss may occur, including, rarely, total or partial irreversible bilateral deafness after the drug has been discontinued. Therapy with aminoglycosides, particularly if prolonged (> 10 days), should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting vestibular and/or auditory impairment, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a drug-induced ototoxic effect. To minimize the risk of toxicity, patients should be adequately hydrated, the usual aminoglycoside dosage should not be exceeded, use with other ototoxic agents should be avoided, and peak and trough serum aminoglycoside concentrations should be periodically determined and dosage adjusted to maintain desired levels. Serial audiograms should be obtained in patients old enough to be tested, since loss of high- frequency perception usually precedes clinical hearing loss. The dosage should be reduced or therapy withdrawn promptly if signs and symptoms of toxicity develop.
Vomiting
Major:
neomycin
Neomycin has a major potential interaction with Vomiting.
Adequate hydration is crucial to minimize the risk of oto- and nephrotoxicity associated with the use of aminoglycosides. Dehydration should preferably be corrected prior to initiation of therapy. In patients who may be at risk for dehydration, such as those with severe and/or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, fluid status should be monitored closely. If signs of renal irritation develop during therapy, hydration should be increased as indicated, accompanied by a reduction in dosage if necessary. Therapy should be withdrawn if urinary output decreases progressively or azotemia increases.
More resources
atracurium
A total of 179 drugs are known to interact with atracurium.
- Atracurium is in the drug class neuromuscular blocking agents.
- Atracurium is used to treat Anesthetic Adjunct.
neomycin
A total of 191 drugs are known to interact with neomycin.
- Neomycin is in the drug class aminoglycosides.
- Neomycin is used to treat the following conditions:
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.