Group 6 - Succinylcholine

Question 1

Succinylcholine

Drug Class?

Answer 1

Succinylcholine Drug Class:

• Ultra-short-acting depolarizing-type skeletal muscle relaxant

Question 2

Succinylcholine

Mechanism of Action (MOA)?

Answer 2

Succinylcholine MOA:

• Combines with cholinergic receptors of the motor end plate to produce depolarization
• Hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase

Question 3

Succinylcholine

Indications?

Answer 3

Succinylcholine Indications:

• Endotracheal intubation requiring paralysis (RSI)

Question 4

Succinylcholine

Contraindications?

Answer 4

Succinylcholine Contraindications:

• Muscle disorders
• Malignant hyperthermia (personal or familial history)
• History of hyperkalemia
• Burn injured patients (between 24 hours and 21 days after significant burns or crush injury)
• Ocular injuries
• Predicted difficult intubation

Question 5

Succinylcholine

Adverse Reactions?

Answer 5

Succinylcholine Adverse Reactions:

• Vagal stimulation leading to bradycardia or asystole
• Hyperkalemia
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Elevated intraocular pressure
• Histamine release
• Malignant hyperthermia
• Hypotension and/or dysrhythmias

Question 6

Succinylcholine

Adult Dose?

Answer 6

Succinylcholine Adult Dose:

• 0.6 - 2 mg/kg (commonly 1.5 mg/kg) IV push, may repeat once in 2 - 3 minutes if inadequate response to initial dose to achieve paralysis

Question 7

Succinylcholine

Pediatric Dose?

Answer 7

Succinylcholine Pediatric Dose:

• 1 -2 mg/kg IV push, may repeat once in 2 - 3 minutes if inadequate response to initial dose to achieve paralysis

Question 8

Succinylcholine

Onset of Action?

Answer 8

Succinylcholine Onset of Action:

• Less than 1 minute

Question 9

Succinylcholine

Duration of Action?

Answer 9

Succinylcholine Duration of Action:

• Muscle paralysis lasting 4 - 6 minutes

Question 10

Succinylcholine

AZ Drug Box Minimum Supply?

Answer 10

Succinylcholine

AZ Drug Box Minimum Supply:

• Optional: 400 mg