Drug interactions
Carbachol + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Carbachol 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
Carbachol is a direct-acting cholinergic agonist, and succinylcholine acts as a depolarizing agonist at the neuromuscular junction. Systemic exposure to carbachol is usually small when it is given as an ophthalmic preparation, so any effect is unlikely to be significant. Systemic use could in theory alter neuromuscular blockade and add to cholinergic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbachol 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.
Carbachol belongs to Miscellaneous; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cholinergic stimulation at nicotinic and muscarinic receptors; the interaction is largely theoretical.
What to do
Be aware of the possibility of altered or prolonged neuromuscular blockade if systemic carbachol exposure is expected. Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator and watch for bradycardia.
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 Carbachol
- Atropine + Carbachol Moderate
- Bethanechol + Carbachol Moderate
- Carbachol + Darifenacin Moderate
- Carbachol + Dicyclomine Moderate
- Carbachol + Donepezil Moderate
- Carbachol + Flavoxate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbachol with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Carbachol 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. Carbachol is a direct-acting cholinergic agonist, and succinylcholine acts as a depolarizing agonist at the neuromuscular junction. Systemic exposure to carbachol is usually small when it is given as an ophthalmic preparation, so any effect is unlikely to be significant. Systemic use could in theory alter neuromuscular blockade and add to cholinergic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Carbachol 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: Be aware of the possibility of altered or prolonged neuromuscular blockade if systemic carbachol exposure is expected. Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator and watch for bradycardia.
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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