Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

J Vet Pharmacol Ther 1978 Jun;1(2):171-5

Neuromuscular blocking effects of certain antibacterial agents in pigs and lambs

Mathew BP, Teske RH, Robinson JA, Adams HR

The neuromuscular blocking effects of several antibacterial agents were examined in young pigs and lambs using a sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparation. Intravenous administration of streptomycin, neomycin or tetracycline produced a decrease in indirectly stimulated contractions of the gastrocnemius muscle; whereas, chloramphenicol, sulphadiazine and penicillin-G had no discernible neuromuscular blocking effects. Present findings confirm the neuromuscular blocking activity of certain antibiotic agents, and indicate the potential for this adverse side effect in food-producing animal species.