Drug interactions
Lithium + Vecuronium
Severity: Minor
Lithium and Vecuronium: minor 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
Lithium can prolong the action of non-depolarising neuromuscular blockers such as vecuronium, leading to delayed recovery from blockade. Reports are limited and the effect is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Vecuronium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Vecuronium belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Lithium may impair neuromuscular transmission, possibly by interfering with acetylcholine release; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular blockade with train-of-four and give vecuronium in titrated doses in patients taking lithium.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Vecuronium
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lithium and Vecuronium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Lithium can prolong the action of non-depolarising neuromuscular blockers such as vecuronium, leading to delayed recovery from blockade. Reports are limited and the effect is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor neuromuscular blockade with train-of-four and give vecuronium in titrated doses in patients taking lithium.
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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