Drug interactions
Atenolol + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Atenolol and Succinylcholine: minor 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
Beta-blockers can modestly raise serum potassium by impairing cellular potassium uptake, and succinylcholine causes a transient potassium release. The additive effect is generally small, but it may matter in patients with renal failure or baseline hyperkalemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Succinylcholine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Atenolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Beta-blockade reduces beta2-mediated cellular potassium uptake while succinylcholine releases potassium from muscle.
What to do
Continue the beta-blocker perioperatively as usual and check potassium in patients with renal impairment or hyperkalemia risk.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Other interactions of Atenolol
- Amifostine + Atenolol Major
- Amiodarone + Atenolol Major
- Atenolol + Atenolol-chlorthalidone Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Bisoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Carvedilol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atenolol and Succinylcholine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Beta-blockers can modestly raise serum potassium by impairing cellular potassium uptake, and succinylcholine causes a transient potassium release. The additive effect is generally small, but it may matter in patients with renal failure or baseline hyperkalemia.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Continue the beta-blocker perioperatively as usual and check potassium in patients with renal impairment or hyperkalemia risk.
What other medicines interact with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Succinylcholine with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Succinylcholine page.
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