Drug interactions
Colistimethate sodium + Succinylcholine
Severity: Major
Colistimethate sodium and Succinylcholine: 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
Colistimethate has neuromuscular blocking activity and can prolong or intensify paralysis from succinylcholine. This may cause prolonged apnea and delayed recovery of respiratory function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistimethate sodium and Succinylcholine 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.
Colistimethate sodium belongs to Anti Bacterial; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive neuromuscular blockade at the neuromuscular junction.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support. Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator.
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 Colistimethate sodium
Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colistimethate sodium with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Colistimethate sodium and Succinylcholine 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. Colistimethate has neuromuscular blocking activity and can prolong or intensify paralysis from succinylcholine. This may cause prolonged apnea and delayed recovery of respiratory function.
How serious is the interaction between Colistimethate sodium and Succinylcholine?
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 combining where possible and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support. Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator.
What other medicines interact with Colistimethate sodium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colistimethate sodium with, for example, Sodium citrate. The full list is on the Colistimethate sodium page.
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