Succinylcholine chloride

Succinylcholine chloride is a medication used in the practice of anesthesia. It is a type of neuromuscular-blocking drug, specifically a depolarizing blocker. It is used to cause short-term paralysis as part of general anesthesia. This helps prevent muscles from moving during surgery.

Pharmacology

Succinylcholine chloride is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. It mimics the action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, but it is not degraded by acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the body. This causes a prolonged depolarization of the motor end plate, which leads to muscle paralysis.

Uses

Succinylcholine chloride is used in anesthesia to induce muscle relaxation and short-term paralysis, usually to facilitate tracheal intubation. It is also used in electroconvulsive therapy to prevent muscle contractions.

Side Effects

Common side effects of succinylcholine chloride include muscle pain, increased saliva production, and rash. Serious side effects may include malignant hyperthermia, a severe increase in body temperature, and hyperkalemia, high blood potassium levels.

History

Succinylcholine chloride was first described in the medical literature in 1951. It was initially used in the field of anesthesia in the 1950s.

See Also

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Anesthesia
• Acetylcholine
• Acetylcholinesterase