Drug interactions
Atracurium + Doxapram
Severity: Moderate
Atracurium and Doxapram: 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
Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant that does not reverse neuromuscular blockade and may mask residual paralysis by increasing respiratory drive. Relying on it after atracurium can leave patients with undetected weakness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Doxapram 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; Doxapram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Doxapram stimulates central respiratory drive but has no action at the neuromuscular junction, so it does not antagonize atracurium.
What to do
Do not use doxapram to reverse neuromuscular blockade; confirm recovery with train-of-four and use a reversal agent such as sugammadex or neostigmine as indicated.
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 Doxapram
- Desflurane + Doxapram Major
- Dextroamphetamine + Doxapram Major
- Doxapram + Isocarboxazid Major
- Doxapram + Ketamine Major
- Doxapram + Linezolid Major
- Doxapram + Lisdexamfetamine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atracurium with Doxapram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atracurium and Doxapram 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. Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant that does not reverse neuromuscular blockade and may mask residual paralysis by increasing respiratory drive. Relying on it after atracurium can leave patients with undetected weakness.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Doxapram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use doxapram to reverse neuromuscular blockade; confirm recovery with train-of-four and use a reversal agent such as sugammadex or neostigmine as indicated.
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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