succinylcholine

Action and Spectrum

Action and spectrum:  

Suxamethonium also known as succinylcholine, is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent. It acts as an agonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction which causes rapid and short-lived depolarization of the muscle fiber. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Adverse drug reactions:   

Frequency Not Defined  

Respiratory depression  

Jaw rigidity  

Apnea  

Salivary gland enlargement  

Excessive salivation  

Rash  

Hypersensitivity reactions  

Malignant hyperthermia  

Bradycardia  

Hypotension  

Cardiac arrhythmias  

Sinus tachycardia  

Black Box Warning

Black box warning  

Suxamethonium can cause malignant hyperthermia.  

The drug is used only in emergency situations, for e.g., during intubation or electroconvulsive therapy. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

Hypersensitivity  

Hyperkalemia 

Renal failure  

Caution: 

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma 

Prolonged immobilization or bed rest 

Liver disease 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

US FDA pregnancy category: unassigned 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

The release of the drug into the human breastmilk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:      

Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.      

Category B: No evidence shown of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women      

Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a result in humans must take care of potential risks in pregnant women      

Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits      

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.      

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category  

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

It initially stimulates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors which causes depolarization of the muscle cell membrane and muscle contraction.  

Pharmacodynamic  

The action of acetylcholine produces a depolarizing muscle relaxation by opening the ion channels which allows the influx of sodium ions. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

It is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

It is distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

It is metabolized by plasma cholinesterase. 

Elimination and excretion 

It is excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

It is administered intravenously i.e., deep into the vein.  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet 

Generic Name: succinylcholine  

Why do we use succinylcholine? 

succinylcholine is an Neuromuscular Blocking Agents which is used for Skeletal Muscle Relaxation