Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Phenelzine 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
Phenelzine can reduce plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) activity, slowing the breakdown of succinylcholine. This may prolong neuromuscular blockade and apnea.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine 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.
Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Phenelzine inhibits plasma cholinesterase, decreasing succinylcholine hydrolysis.
What to do
Inform the anesthesiologist of MAOI use, give the lowest effective succinylcholine dose, monitor with a nerve stimulator and 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Phenelzine and Succinylcholine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenelzine with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenelzine 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. Phenelzine can reduce plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) activity, slowing the breakdown of succinylcholine. This may prolong neuromuscular blockade and apnea.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine 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 anesthesiologist of MAOI use, give the lowest effective succinylcholine dose, monitor with a nerve stimulator and 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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
