Drug interactions
Clindamycin + Vecuronium
Severity: Major
Clindamycin and Vecuronium: 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 paralysis from vecuronium. Recovery of spontaneous breathing may be delayed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clindamycin and Vecuronium 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Vecuronium belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive neuromuscular blockade through presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition of transmission by clindamycin.
What to do
Monitor train-of-four and titrate vecuronium to effect. Ensure full 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 Vecuronium
Other interactions of Clindamycin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clindamycin with Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clindamycin and Vecuronium 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 paralysis from vecuronium. Recovery of spontaneous breathing may be delayed.
How serious is the interaction between Clindamycin and Vecuronium?
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 train-of-four and titrate vecuronium to effect. Ensure full recovery of neuromuscular function before extubation.
What other medicines interact with Vecuronium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vecuronium with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Vecuronium page.
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