Drug interactions
Cortisone + Vecuronium
Severity: Moderate
Cortisone and Vecuronium: 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
Systemic corticosteroids given with non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers such as vecuronium have been associated with acute myopathy, particularly in critically ill patients on prolonged infusions. This can lead to prolonged weakness and delayed weaning from ventilation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone and Vecuronium 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
Steroid-related muscle injury combined with prolonged neuromuscular blockade; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Limit the duration of neuromuscular blockade and the steroid dose where possible. Monitor for persistent weakness and consider creatine kinase measurement.
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 Vecuronium
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cortisone with Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cortisone and Vecuronium 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. Systemic corticosteroids given with non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers such as vecuronium have been associated with acute myopathy, particularly in critically ill patients on prolonged infusions. This can lead to prolonged weakness and delayed weaning from ventilation.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone and Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit the duration of neuromuscular blockade and the steroid dose where possible. Monitor for persistent weakness and consider creatine kinase measurement.
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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