Drug interactions
Digoxin + Succinylcholine
Severity: Major
Digoxin and Succinylcholine: major 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
Succinylcholine has been associated with serious ventricular arrhythmias in patients on digoxin, possibly through the sudden potassium shift and catecholamine release it causes in a sensitized myocardium. Digoxin toxicity or electrolyte disturbance increases the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Digoxin and Succinylcholine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Digoxin belongs to Cardiovascular; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Succinylcholine-induced potassium release and autonomic stimulation may add to digoxin's arrhythmogenic effect; the mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Check digoxin level, potassium and magnesium before use and monitor ECG continuously. Consider a nondepolarizing blocker in patients with digoxin toxicity or hyperkalemia.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Other interactions of Digoxin
- Digoxin + Lily of the valley Contraindicated
- Digoxin + Squill Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Digoxin Major
- Amiodarone + Digoxin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Digoxin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Digoxin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Digoxin with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Digoxin and Succinylcholine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Succinylcholine has been associated with serious ventricular arrhythmias in patients on digoxin, possibly through the sudden potassium shift and catecholamine release it causes in a sensitized myocardium. Digoxin toxicity or electrolyte disturbance increases the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Digoxin and Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check digoxin level, potassium and magnesium before use and monitor ECG continuously. Consider a nondepolarizing blocker in patients with digoxin toxicity or hyperkalemia.
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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