Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Succinylcholine
Severity: Major
Gentamicin 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
Gentamicin can enhance and prolong the neuromuscular blockade caused by succinylcholine. Prolonged paralysis and apnea may result, particularly in patients with renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin 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.
Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive neuromuscular blockade, as aminoglycosides reduce presynaptic acetylcholine release and impair postsynaptic sensitivity.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular function and keep ventilatory support available until full recovery. Use the lowest effective succinylcholine dose, and consider an alternative antibiotic perioperatively.
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 Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gentamicin with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gentamicin 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. Gentamicin can enhance and prolong the neuromuscular blockade caused by succinylcholine. Prolonged paralysis and apnea may result, particularly in patients with renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin 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: Monitor neuromuscular function and keep ventilatory support available until full recovery. Use the lowest effective succinylcholine dose, and consider an alternative antibiotic perioperatively.
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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