Succinylcholine (Injection)

Introduction:

Succinylcholine (sux-i-nil-KOE-leen)

Relaxes your muscles during surgery or intubation (having a breathing tube put into your throat).

Brand Name(s):

Quelicin, Anectine, Amerinet Choice Succinylcholine Chloride

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to succinylcholine. You should not receive this medicine if you have a history of malignant hyperthermia or problems with your muscles.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.This medicine may also be given as a shot into one of your muscles.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or an emergency room.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), procainamide (Procanbid®, Pronestyl®), quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinidex®), or an aminoglycoside (amikacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, Garamycin®, Kantrex®, Netromycin®).
  • There are many other medicines that can interact with succinylcholine. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, anemia, or lung cancer.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had high potassium or low calcium levels in your blood, or if you have a family member with malignant hyperthermia.
  • Tell your doctor if you have recently had a serious injury, burn, or broken bone. Also make sure your doctor knows if you have muscle spasms, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, or a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
  • Dark-colored urine.
  • Fast or slow heartbeat.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.
  • Stiff or rigid muscles, especially in your jaw.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Muscle weakness or stiffness in the days after you receive this medicine.
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