Drug interactions
Neomycin po + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Neomycin po and Succinylcholine: 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
Oral neomycin is poorly absorbed, but some systemic uptake can occur, particularly with impaired gut mucosa or renal impairment. Aminoglycosides have intrinsic neuromuscular blocking activity and may potentiate and prolong succinylcholine paralysis, leading to delayed recovery of breathing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Neomycin po and Succinylcholine 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
Aminoglycosides reduce presynaptic acetylcholine release and postsynaptic sensitivity, adding to neuromuscular blockade.
What to do
Tell the anesthesia team about recent neomycin use, particularly with renal impairment. Monitor neuromuscular function and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support.
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 Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Neomycin po with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Neomycin po and Succinylcholine 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. Oral neomycin is poorly absorbed, but some systemic uptake can occur, particularly with impaired gut mucosa or renal impairment. Aminoglycosides have intrinsic neuromuscular blocking activity and may potentiate and prolong succinylcholine paralysis, leading to delayed recovery of breathing.
How serious is the interaction between Neomycin po and Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Tell the anesthesia team about recent neomycin use, particularly with renal impairment. Monitor neuromuscular function and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support.
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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