Drug reference
succinylcholine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Musculoskeletal (Muscle Relaxants)
Mechanism of action
Depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant; depolarizes motor endplate at myoneural junction, which causes sustained flaccid skeletal muscle paralysis; no effect on consciousness, pain
Common side effects
- Jaw rigidity
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Apnea
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to drug or component; known or suspected genetic susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia, lack of ventilatory support, history of malignant hyperthermia, myopathies associated with elevated serum creatine kinase, acute phase of injury following major burns (hyperkalemia may occur)…
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is succinylcholine?
succinylcholine belongs to: Musculoskeletal.
How does succinylcholine work?
Depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant; depolarizes motor endplate at myoneural junction, which causes sustained flaccid skeletal muscle paralysis; no effect on consciousness, pain
What are the common side effects of succinylcholine?
Jaw rigidity, Bradycardia, Hypotension, Respiratory depression, Apnea
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