Succinylcholine Injection 50 mg/mL
📘 Description:
Succinylcholine Injection 50 mg/mL is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used to induce muscle relaxation and paralysis during short surgical procedures, tracheal intubation, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It acts rapidly and has a short duration of effect, making it ideal for emergency airway management.
🔬 Formulation:
- Active Ingredient: Succinylcholine chloride
- Strength: 50 mg per mL
- Dosage Form: Solution for injection
- Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM)
- Common Brands: Anectine®, Quelicin®
🧪 Nature / Mechanism of Action:
- Drug Class: Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent
- Mechanism: Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing continuous stimulation (depolarization), which leads to transient fasciculations followed by flaccid paralysis.
🩺 Indications / Uses:
- ✅ Facilitation of endotracheal intubation
- ✅ Muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation
- ✅ Adjunct to general anesthesia
- ✅ Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (to reduce muscle convulsions)
✅ Advantages:
- Very rapid onset: 30 to 60 seconds (IV)
- Short duration: 4 to 10 minutes
- Preferred for emergency intubation and short procedures
- No cumulative effect with repeated dosing (short-acting)
⚠️ Precautions:
- Contraindicated in patients with:
- Personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia
- Hyperkalemia or risk factors for elevated potassium (burns, crush injuries, neuromuscular disease)
- Pseudocholinesterase deficiency
- Severe trauma or upper motor neuron lesions
- Use with caution in:
- Glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure
- Pediatric patients (unless emergency)
📦 Storage:
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated)
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Discard unused portions after opening