Drug interactions
Quinine + Rapacuronium
Severity: Major
Quinine and Rapacuronium: 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
Quinine has neuromuscular blocking activity and can potentiate non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, prolonging paralysis and risking respiratory depression. Rapacuronium has been withdrawn from most markets.
What this interaction means in plain words
Quinine and Rapacuronium 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.
Why it happens
Additive neuromuscular blockade at the motor endplate.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator and ensure ventilatory support is available if both are used; reduce the blocker dose as needed.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Quinine with Rapacuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Quinine and Rapacuronium 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. Quinine has neuromuscular blocking activity and can potentiate non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, prolonging paralysis and risking respiratory depression. Rapacuronium has been withdrawn from most markets.
How serious is the interaction between Quinine and Rapacuronium?
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 with a nerve stimulator and ensure ventilatory support is available if both are used; reduce the blocker dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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