Succinylcholine (Anectine)

Question 1

Succinylcholine Class?

Answer 1

Depolarizing neuromuscular blocker

Question 2

Succinylcholine Action?

Answer 2

Succinylcholine is a short acting, depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that binds to acetylcholine receptor sites. This produces complete muscle paralysis but since it is a depolarizing agent it causes fasciculations and muscular contractions making it the drug of choice for rapid sequence intubation.

Question 3

Succinylcholine Indications?

Answer 3

To facilitate endotracheal intubation, terminate laryngospasm, muscle relaxation.

Question 4

Succinylcholine Contraindications?

Answer 4

Hypersensitivity, burns or crush injuries > 72 old, skeletal muscle myopathies, inability to control the airway or support ventilations with O2 and positive pressure (BVM), family or personal history of malignant hyperthermia, rhabodomyolysis. Use with caution in pt’s that may have hyperkalemia (renal failure, trauma/burns, electrolyte disturbances, crush injury etc.)

Question 5

Succinylcholine Onset/Duration?

Answer 5

Onset: less than 1 min
Duration: 5-10 min

Question 6

Succinylcholine Dose/Route?

Answer 6

Adult: 1-1.5 mg/kg IV/IO for RSI

Peds: 1-1.5mg/kg IV/IO for RSI

Infants: 2 mg/kg IV/IO for RSI

Question 7

Succinylcholine Side Effects?

Answer 7

Fasciculations, bradycardia, hypotension, tachycardia, hypertension, dysrhythmias, malignant hyperthermia, hyperkalemia, respiratory depression, excessive salivation, hyperkalemia

Question 8

Succinylcholine Notes*

Answer 8

Although after administering Succinylcholine it may appear that the patient is not conscious, it has NO effect on the central nervous system, so the patient will be completely aware of procedures unless appropriate sedation is also given.