Drug interactions
Galantamine + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Galantamine 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
Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase and may prolong the neuromuscular blockade of succinylcholine, which is also broken down by plasma cholinesterase. This can delay recovery of muscle strength and ventilation. The label advises that galantamine is likely to exaggerate the effect of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Galantamine 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.
Galantamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Cholinesterase inhibition increases acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which prolongs depolarizing blockade.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team of galantamine use and monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator. 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
Other interactions of Galantamine
- Galantamine + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Galantamine + Physostigmine Major
- Galantamine + Ponesimod Major
- Galantamine + Rivastigmine Major
- Amifampridine + Galantamine Moderate
- Amiodarone + Galantamine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Galantamine with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Galantamine 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. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase and may prolong the neuromuscular blockade of succinylcholine, which is also broken down by plasma cholinesterase. This can delay recovery of muscle strength and ventilation. The label advises that galantamine is likely to exaggerate the effect of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants.
How serious is the interaction between Galantamine 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 of galantamine use and monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator. 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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