Drug interactions
Quinine + Vecuronium
Severity: Major
Quinine and Vecuronium: 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 can enhance and prolong the neuromuscular blockade from vecuronium. This may delay recovery and cause residual paralysis with respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Quinine and Vecuronium 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 belongs to Anti Parasitic; Vecuronium belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive neuromuscular blockade through quinine's effects at the neuromuscular junction.
What to do
Use quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, adjust vecuronium doses and confirm full recovery before extubation. Keep ventilatory support available.
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 Vecuronium
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 Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Quinine and Vecuronium 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 can enhance and prolong the neuromuscular blockade from vecuronium. This may delay recovery and cause residual paralysis with respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Quinine and Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, adjust vecuronium doses and confirm full recovery before extubation. Keep ventilatory support available.
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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