Calcium and neostigmine antagonize gentamicin, but augment clindamycin-induced tetanic fade in rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations.

Purpose: A reduction in acetylcholine release induced by gentamicin may limit neostigmine-induced increases in acetylcholine concentration in the neuromuscular junction. An increase in acetylcholine concentration caused by neostigmine and calcium may enhance the use-dependent ion channel block of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor caused by clindamycin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether calcium and neostigmine antagonize the neuromuscular blockade caused by gentamicin and augment the blockade caused by clindamycin during both single-twitch (0.