Drug interactions
Atracurium + Cortisone
Severity: Moderate
Atracurium and Cortisone: moderate 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
Systemic corticosteroids such as cortisone, combined with neuromuscular blockers, have been associated with acute myopathy in critically ill patients, particularly during prolonged blockade. This can delay weaning from ventilation and recovery.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Cortisone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive myopathic effects of corticosteroids and prolonged neuromuscular blockade; mechanism is incompletely defined.
What to do
Use the lowest effective dose and shortest duration of atracurium, monitor blockade with train-of-four, and assess for prolonged weakness after discontinuation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Atracurium
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atracurium with Cortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atracurium and Cortisone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Systemic corticosteroids such as cortisone, combined with neuromuscular blockers, have been associated with acute myopathy in critically ill patients, particularly during prolonged blockade. This can delay weaning from ventilation and recovery.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Cortisone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective dose and shortest duration of atracurium, monitor blockade with train-of-four, and assess for prolonged weakness after discontinuation.
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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