Drug interactions
Atropine + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Atropine 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
Atropine is commonly given with or before succinylcholine to prevent bradycardia, particularly with repeat doses and in children. It does not antagonize neuromuscular blockade, so this is a deliberate and generally beneficial combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atropine 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.
Atropine belongs to Miscellaneous; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors in the heart and counters vagal bradycardia from succinylcholine, with no effect on nicotinic neuromuscular transmission.
What to do
Give atropine when bradycardia is a concern and monitor heart rate and rhythm during induction.
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 Atropine
- Atropine + Eluxadoline Major
- Atropine + Henbane Major
- Atropine + Pramlintide Major
- Abobotulinumtoxina + Atropine Moderate
- Aclidinium + Atropine Moderate
- Amantadine + Atropine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atropine with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atropine 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. Atropine is commonly given with or before succinylcholine to prevent bradycardia, particularly with repeat doses and in children. It does not antagonize neuromuscular blockade, so this is a deliberate and generally beneficial combination.
How serious is the interaction between Atropine 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: Give atropine when bradycardia is a concern and monitor heart rate and rhythm during induction.
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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