Drug interactions
Propranolol + Succinylcholine
Severity: Minor
Propranolol 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
Propranolol can modestly impair cellular potassium uptake, but the effect on succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia is minimal. The interaction is largely theoretical, though propranolol is reported to have minor effects on neuromuscular transmission.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propranolol 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.
Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Succinylcholine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Nonselective beta-blockade slightly impairs cellular potassium uptake, which could marginally add to the potassium rise from succinylcholine.
What to do
No routine change is needed. Monitor potassium in patients with renal impairment and watch neuromuscular recovery.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propranolol with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Propranolol 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. Propranolol can modestly impair cellular potassium uptake, but the effect on succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia is minimal. The interaction is largely theoretical, though propranolol is reported to have minor effects on neuromuscular transmission.
How serious is the interaction between Propranolol 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: No routine change is needed. Monitor potassium in patients with renal impairment and watch neuromuscular recovery.
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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