Drug interactions
Cyclophosphamide + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Cyclophosphamide 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
Cyclophosphamide can reduce plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) activity, which is the enzyme that breaks down succinylcholine. This can prolong neuromuscular blockade and apnea after a standard dose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclophosphamide 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.
Cyclophosphamide belongs to Oncology; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Cyclophosphamide lowers plasma cholinesterase activity, slowing hydrolysis of succinylcholine.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support. Consider a lower dose or alternative blocker in recent or high-dose cyclophosphamide recipients.
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 Succinylcholine
Other interactions of Cyclophosphamide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclophosphamide with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclophosphamide 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. Cyclophosphamide can reduce plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) activity, which is the enzyme that breaks down succinylcholine. This can prolong neuromuscular blockade and apnea after a standard dose.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclophosphamide 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: Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support. Consider a lower dose or alternative blocker in recent or high-dose cyclophosphamide recipients.
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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