Drug interactions
Esmolol + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Esmolol 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
Esmolol may slightly raise potassium through beta-blockade, and succinylcholine causes a transient potassium rise. Esmolol is also reported to modestly prolong succinylcholine's effect, probably by competing for cholinesterase. The clinical impact is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esmolol 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.
Esmolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Beta-blockade reduces cellular potassium uptake, and esmolol metabolism by esterases may slightly slow succinylcholine breakdown.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular blockade with a nerve stimulator and check potassium in patients with renal impairment.
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 Succinylcholine
Other interactions of Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esmolol with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Esmolol 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. Esmolol may slightly raise potassium through beta-blockade, and succinylcholine causes a transient potassium rise. Esmolol is also reported to modestly prolong succinylcholine's effect, probably by competing for cholinesterase. The clinical impact is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Esmolol 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 neuromuscular blockade with a nerve stimulator and check potassium in patients with renal impairment.
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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