Drug interactions
Colistin + Succinylcholine
Severity: Major
Colistin 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
Colistin has neuromuscular blocking effects that can add to those of succinylcholine and prolong paralysis. Respiratory muscle weakness or arrest is possible, and reversal can be incomplete.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistin 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.
Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive neuromuscular blockade, as colistin inhibits presynaptic acetylcholine release and has postsynaptic effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible; otherwise monitor neuromuscular function closely and ensure ventilatory support. Take extra care in patients with renal impairment.
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 Succinylcholine
Other interactions of Colistin
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Amikacin + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b + Colistin Major
- Atracurium + Colistin Major
- Bacitracin + Colistin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colistin with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Colistin 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. Colistin has neuromuscular blocking effects that can add to those of succinylcholine and prolong paralysis. Respiratory muscle weakness or arrest is possible, and reversal can be incomplete.
How serious is the interaction between Colistin 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 the combination when possible; otherwise monitor neuromuscular function closely and ensure ventilatory support. Take extra care in patients with renal impairment.
What other medicines interact with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Succinylcholine with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Succinylcholine page.
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