Drug interactions
Atracurium + Diltiazem
Severity: Moderate
Atracurium and Diltiazem: 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
Calcium channel blockers can potentiate nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade, which may prolong paralysis and delay recovery. Diltiazem may also add to hypotension and bradycardia during anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Diltiazem 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.
Atracurium belongs to Musculoskeletal; Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Calcium channel blockade decreases presynaptic acetylcholine release, adding to postsynaptic nondepolarizing block.
What to do
Titrate atracurium by nerve stimulator and expect delayed recovery. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
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
Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atracurium with Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atracurium and Diltiazem 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. Calcium channel blockers can potentiate nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade, which may prolong paralysis and delay recovery. Diltiazem may also add to hypotension and bradycardia during anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate atracurium by nerve stimulator and expect delayed recovery. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
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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