Drug interactions
Magnesium sulphate + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Magnesium sulphate 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
Parenteral magnesium sulphate impairs neuromuscular transmission and can strengthen and prolong the paralysis produced by succinylcholine. Onset may be faster and recovery slower, which can lead to prolonged respiratory depression after surgery. The effect is most relevant in obstetric and eclampsia patients receiving magnesium infusions.
What this interaction means in plain words
Magnesium sulphate 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.
Magnesium sulphate belongs to Cardiovascular; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Magnesium reduces presynaptic acetylcholine release and decreases postsynaptic sensitivity at the motor end plate, adding to depolarizing blockade.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular function with a peripheral nerve stimulator and titrate succinylcholine to effect, using a reduced dose. Ensure ventilatory support is available until full recovery of neuromuscular function.
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 Magnesium sulphate
- Amikacin + Magnesium sulphate Moderate
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Magnesium sulphate Moderate
- Atracurium + Magnesium sulphate Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Magnesium sulphate Moderate
- Ciprofloxacin + Magnesium sulphate Moderate
- Cisatracurium + Magnesium sulphate Moderate
Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Magnesium sulphate with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Magnesium sulphate 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. Parenteral magnesium sulphate impairs neuromuscular transmission and can strengthen and prolong the paralysis produced by succinylcholine. Onset may be faster and recovery slower, which can lead to prolonged respiratory depression after surgery. The effect is most relevant in obstetric and eclampsia patients receiving magnesium infusions.
How serious is the interaction between Magnesium sulphate 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: Monitor neuromuscular function with a peripheral nerve stimulator and titrate succinylcholine to effect, using a reduced dose. Ensure ventilatory support is available until full recovery of neuromuscular function.
What other medicines interact with Magnesium sulphate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Magnesium sulphate with, for example, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate, Atracurium. The full list is on the Magnesium sulphate page.
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