Long-lasting potentiation of a single-dose of rocuronium by amikacin: case report

We report for the first time to our knowledge long-lasting (4 hours) potentiation of single intubating dose of rocuronium by a single bolus of amikacin given 55 minutes later in a woman having no precipitating factor (renal failure, hepatic failure, ionic disorder, other drugs influencing neuromuscular function). This patient had received the same rocuronium dose one month sooner in similar circumstances (without aminoglycoside antibiotic drug) and had not presented any prolonged neuromuscular blockade at this time. Neuromuscular blockade should be monitored in every patient receiving aminoglycoside antibiotic with even a single intubating dose of neuromuscular blocking drug.