Drug interactions
Imipramine + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Imipramine 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
Imipramine has anticholinergic activity, but there is no well-established opposing effect on succinylcholine blockade. Tricyclic antidepressants can contribute to arrhythmias and blood pressure instability during anesthesia, particularly with sympathomimetic stimulation. Clinically significant interaction specific to succinylcholine is poorly documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine 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.
Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
No clear pharmacokinetic mechanism; possible additive cardiovascular effects during anesthesia.
What to do
Monitor ECG and hemodynamics during induction and avoid additional arrhythmogenic drugs. Monitor neuromuscular blockade with a nerve stimulator.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Imipramine 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. Imipramine has anticholinergic activity, but there is no well-established opposing effect on succinylcholine blockade. Tricyclic antidepressants can contribute to arrhythmias and blood pressure instability during anesthesia, particularly with sympathomimetic stimulation. Clinically significant interaction specific to succinylcholine is poorly documented.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine 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 ECG and hemodynamics during induction and avoid additional arrhythmogenic drugs. Monitor neuromuscular blockade with a nerve stimulator.
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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