Succinylcholine Chloride

Generic Name: succinylcholine chloride

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Succinylcholine Chloride

Succinylcholine chloride injection is a short-acting depolarizing neuromuscular blocker for intravenous or intramuscular use as an adjunct to general anesthesia.

Overview

Succinylcholine chloride injection is a short-acting depolarizing neuromuscular blocker for intravenous or intramuscular use as an adjunct to general anesthesia.

Uses

Indicated as an adjunct to general anesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation in adults and pediatric patients.

Dosage

Individualized dosing after patient assessment. For short procedures: average 0.6 mg/kg IV. For long procedures: continuous infusion of 1-2 mg/mL solutions at 0.5-10 mg/minute. Pediatric emergency intubation: 2 mg/kg for infants, 1 mg/kg for older children.

Side Effects

Serious reactions include cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, arrhythmias, bradycardia, hyperkalemia, and prolonged respiratory depression or apnea. Additional effects: hypertension, hypotension, increased intraocular pressure, and rhabdomyolysis.

Interactions

Numerous agents enhance neuromuscular blocking action including certain antibiotics, quinidine, beta-blockers, magnesium salts, and drugs reducing plasma cholinesterase activity.

Warnings

Risk of ventricular dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death from hyperkalemic rhabdomyolysis in pediatric patients. Risk of anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, and bradycardia. Contraindicated in skeletal muscle myopathies and genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.

Pregnancy

Plasma cholinesterase levels are decreased by approximately 24% during pregnancy, potentially causing prolonged apnea in some pregnant women.

Storage

Store in refrigerator 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Multiple-dose vials remain stable up to 14 days at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Succinylcholine Chloride used for?

Indicated as an adjunct to general anesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation in adults and pediatric patients.

What are the side effects of Succinylcholine Chloride?

Serious reactions include cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, arrhythmias, bradycardia, hyperkalemia, and prolonged respiratory depression or apnea. Additional effects: hypertension, hypotension, increased intraocular pressure, and rhabdomyolysis.

Can I take Succinylcholine Chloride during pregnancy?

Plasma cholinesterase levels are decreased by approximately 24% during pregnancy, potentially causing prolonged apnea in some pregnant women.

What are the important warnings for Succinylcholine Chloride?

Risk of ventricular dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death from hyperkalemic rhabdomyolysis in pediatric patients. Risk of anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, and bradycardia. Contraindicated in skeletal muscle myopathies and genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.