Drug interactions
Atracurium + Polymyxin b
Severity: Major
Atracurium and Polymyxin b: 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
Parenteral polymyxin B has neuromuscular blocking activity and can potentiate nondepolarizing blockers, producing prolonged paralysis and respiratory failure. The effect may be resistant to reversal with anticholinesterases.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Polymyxin b 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; Polymyxin b belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Polymyxin B impairs neuromuscular transmission through pre- and postsynaptic effects, adding to atracurium blockade.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use when possible; otherwise lower atracurium doses, monitor with train-of-four and keep ventilatory support available. Check calcium levels.
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 Polymyxin b
- Cidofovir + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Acyclovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Adefovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Amikacin + Polymyxin b Major
- Amphotericin b + Polymyxin b Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atracurium with Polymyxin b?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atracurium and Polymyxin b 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. Parenteral polymyxin B has neuromuscular blocking activity and can potentiate nondepolarizing blockers, producing prolonged paralysis and respiratory failure. The effect may be resistant to reversal with anticholinesterases.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Polymyxin b?
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 concurrent use when possible; otherwise lower atracurium doses, monitor with train-of-four and keep ventilatory support available. Check calcium levels.
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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