Succinylcholine (Anectine)

Question 1

Pharm and Action

Answer 1

Short acting depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant; Binds to cholinergic receptors in the motor neuron endplate to cause muscle depolarizations (fasciculations) followed by paralysis; Complete paralysis occurs in less than 1 minute; recovery usually seen within 4-6 minutes; Has no effect on consciousness or pain threshold

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Paralysis to facilitate rapid sequence intubation

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

Acute narrow angle glaucoma; Penetrating eye injuries; Burns or crush injuries over 12-24 hours; use caution in patients with kidney or undiagnosed neruomuscular disease or skeletal muscle myopathy such as Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy

Question 4

Administration

Answer 4

Adult dose 1.5 mg/kg IV, another dose may be given if paralysis is not achieved within 60-120 seconds of administration, can be given IM 2-4 mg/kg not to exceed 150 mg; Pediatric- 2mg/kg IV, can be given IM 2-4 mg/kg

Question 5

Side effects and special notes

Answer 5

May cause malignant hyperthermia, ventricular dysrrhythmias, bradycardia in pediatrics, hyperkalemia, hypotension, hypertension, increased occular pressure and ICP; Histamine release may occur; peds brady- use O2 and atropine; Vent. Dysrrhythmias- use O2 and Lidocaine to treat

Question 6

Class

Answer 6

A