Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Diphenoxylate-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 antagonizes muscarinic effects of succinylcholine such as bradycardia, and is even used for that purpose. The small atropine dose in diphenoxylate-atropine tablets is unlikely to alter neuromuscular blockade meaningfully, so the interaction is of little clinical significance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-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.
Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors, partly offsetting the muscarinic effects of succinylcholine, without altering nicotinic neuromuscular blockade.
What to do
No specific action is needed beyond routine monitoring of heart rate during anesthesia 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 Diphenoxylate-atropine
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Alvimopan + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amitriptyline + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Diphenoxylate-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 antagonizes muscarinic effects of succinylcholine such as bradycardia, and is even used for that purpose. The small atropine dose in diphenoxylate-atropine tablets is unlikely to alter neuromuscular blockade meaningfully, so the interaction is of little clinical significance.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-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: No specific action is needed beyond routine monitoring of heart rate during anesthesia induction.
What other medicines interact with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Diphenoxylate-atropine page.
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