Drug interactions
Atracurium + Colistin
Severity: Major
Atracurium and Colistin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Colistin (polymyxin) causes neuromuscular blockade and can potentiate nondepolarising agents. Prolonged paralysis and respiratory failure can result.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Colistin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Atracurium belongs to Musculoskeletal; Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Polymyxin-induced presynaptic and postsynaptic neuromuscular blockade adds to atracurium effect.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if necessary, monitor train-of-four and reduce atracurium dosing. Maintain ventilatory support until full recovery.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Atracurium
Other interactions of Colistin
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Amikacin + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b + Colistin Major
- Bacitracin + Colistin Major
- Capreomycin + Colistin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atracurium with Colistin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atracurium and Colistin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Colistin (polymyxin) causes neuromuscular blockade and can potentiate nondepolarising agents. Prolonged paralysis and respiratory failure can result.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Colistin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining where possible; if necessary, monitor train-of-four and reduce atracurium dosing. Maintain ventilatory support until full recovery.
What other medicines interact with Atracurium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atracurium with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Atracurium page.
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