Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Ephedrine 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
Ephedrine is often given with succinylcholine during anesthesia induction, and this combination is generally tolerated. Ephedrine's beta-2 effect may slightly lower potassium and its sympathomimetic action can add to heart rate and blood pressure rises.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine 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.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Sympathomimetic beta-adrenergic stimulation shifts potassium into cells, and succinylcholine also causes ganglionic stimulation and a potassium rise.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG when the two are used together.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ephedrine and Succinylcholine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ephedrine 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. Ephedrine is often given with succinylcholine during anesthesia induction, and this combination is generally tolerated. Ephedrine's beta-2 effect may slightly lower potassium and its sympathomimetic action can add to heart rate and blood pressure rises.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine 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: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG when the two are used together.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
