Drug interactions
Cisatracurium + Clindamycin
Severity: Major
Cisatracurium and Clindamycin: 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
Clindamycin has intrinsic neuromuscular blocking activity and can deepen and prolong the paralysis produced by non-depolarizing blockers such as cisatracurium. This may delay recovery of spontaneous breathing and cause postoperative respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisatracurium and Clindamycin 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.
Cisatracurium belongs to Musculoskeletal; Clindamycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive neuromuscular blockade through presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition of neuromuscular transmission by clindamycin.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular function with train-of-four and titrate cisatracurium to effect. Ensure ventilatory support and recovery of neuromuscular function before extubation.
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 Cisatracurium
Other interactions of Clindamycin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cisatracurium with Clindamycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisatracurium and Clindamycin 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. Clindamycin has intrinsic neuromuscular blocking activity and can deepen and prolong the paralysis produced by non-depolarizing blockers such as cisatracurium. This may delay recovery of spontaneous breathing and cause postoperative respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Cisatracurium and Clindamycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor neuromuscular function with train-of-four and titrate cisatracurium to effect. Ensure ventilatory support and recovery of neuromuscular function before extubation.
What other medicines interact with Cisatracurium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cisatracurium with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Cisatracurium page.
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