Drug interactions
Atracurium + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Atracurium and Succinylcholine: moderate 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
Prior succinylcholine can alter the response to atracurium, usually speeding onset and enhancing blockade once the depolarizing block has waned. Giving atracurium first may instead reduce or delay the succinylcholine effect. The response is variable, so the depth of block can be hard to predict.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Succinylcholine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atracurium belongs to Musculoskeletal; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Depolarizing block at nicotinic receptors by succinylcholine interacts with competitive blockade by atracurium, with the net effect depending on timing and phase of block.
What to do
Wait for recovery from succinylcholine effects before giving atracurium and use a lower initial dose. Monitor with train-of-four.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Atracurium
Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atracurium with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atracurium and Succinylcholine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Prior succinylcholine can alter the response to atracurium, usually speeding onset and enhancing blockade once the depolarizing block has waned. Giving atracurium first may instead reduce or delay the succinylcholine effect. The response is variable, so the depth of block can be hard to predict.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Wait for recovery from succinylcholine effects before giving atracurium and use a lower initial dose. Monitor with train-of-four.
What other medicines interact with Atracurium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atracurium with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Atracurium page.
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