Drug interactions
Donepezil transdermal + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil transdermal 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 cholinesterase, including plasma cholinesterase, which can slow succinylcholine breakdown. This may prolong or intensify neuromuscular blockade and delay recovery of spontaneous breathing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil transdermal 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of plasma cholinesterase reduces succinylcholine hydrolysis, and increased acetylcholine at the endplate adds to depolarizing effects.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team about donepezil use before surgery. Use quantitative neuromuscular monitoring and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil transdermal with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil transdermal 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 cholinesterase, including plasma cholinesterase, which can slow succinylcholine breakdown. This may prolong or intensify neuromuscular blockade and delay recovery of spontaneous breathing.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil transdermal 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: Inform the anesthesia team about donepezil use before surgery. Use quantitative neuromuscular monitoring and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support.
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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