Drug interactions
Metoclopramide + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Metoclopramide 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
Metoclopramide reduces plasma cholinesterase activity, which can slow succinylcholine metabolism and prolong neuromuscular blockade. Recovery from paralysis and the return of spontaneous breathing may be delayed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoclopramide 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.
Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Inhibition of plasma cholinesterase by metoclopramide reduces hydrolysis of succinylcholine.
What to do
Monitor neuromuscular function with a nerve stimulator and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support. Use extra caution in patients with other causes of low cholinesterase activity.
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 Metoclopramide
Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metoclopramide with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metoclopramide 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. Metoclopramide reduces plasma cholinesterase activity, which can slow succinylcholine metabolism and prolong neuromuscular blockade. Recovery from paralysis and the return of spontaneous breathing may be delayed.
How serious is the interaction between Metoclopramide 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 nerve stimulator and be prepared for prolonged ventilatory support. Use extra caution in patients with other causes of low cholinesterase activity.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
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