Drug interactions
Donepezil + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil 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
Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase and may prolong the neuromuscular blockade of succinylcholine, which is mainly broken down by plasma cholinesterase. It may also oppose the effect of nondepolarizing agents. Prolonged paralysis and apnea may result.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil 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.
Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Cholinesterase inhibition by donepezil enhances depolarizing blockade and slows recovery from succinylcholine.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator and be ready for prolonged ventilatory support. Tell the anesthesia team about donepezil before surgery.
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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil 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. Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase and may prolong the neuromuscular blockade of succinylcholine, which is mainly broken down by plasma cholinesterase. It may also oppose the effect of nondepolarizing agents. Prolonged paralysis and apnea may result.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil 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 ready for prolonged ventilatory support. Tell the anesthesia team about donepezil before surgery.
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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