Drug interactions
Atracurium + Rapacuronium
Severity: Moderate
Atracurium and Rapacuronium: 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
Combining two nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers produces additive or synergistic block, with a longer and deeper paralysis than either alone. Rapacuronium has been withdrawn from most markets, so this combination is rarely encountered.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Rapacuronium 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 competitive antagonism of acetylcholine at postsynaptic nicotinic receptors.
What to do
Reduce doses and titrate using train-of-four monitoring when two nondepolarizing agents are used. Ensure ventilatory support and reversal capability.
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 Rapacuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atracurium and Rapacuronium 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. Combining two nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers produces additive or synergistic block, with a longer and deeper paralysis than either alone. Rapacuronium has been withdrawn from most markets, so this combination is rarely encountered.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Rapacuronium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce doses and titrate using train-of-four monitoring when two nondepolarizing agents are used. Ensure ventilatory support and reversal capability.
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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