Generic name: Succinylcholine [ suks-in-il-KOE-leen ]
Brand names: Anectine, Quelicin
Drug class: Neuromuscular blocking agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 12, 2024.

Uses of Succinylcholine:

• It is used to calm muscles during surgery.
• It is used to calm muscles while on a breathing machine.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Succinylcholine?

• If you have an allergy to succinylcholine or any other part of succinylcholine.
• If you are allergic to succinylcholine; any part of succinylcholine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you or a family member have had muscle problems or a certain health problem called malignant hyperthermia. Signs of malignant hyperthermia include a very high fever, a fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness, and trouble breathing.
• If you have had a recent burn, nerve injury, or other injury.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with succinylcholine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take succinylcholine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Succinylcholine?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take succinylcholine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Succinylcholine) best taken?

Use succinylcholine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• This medicine will be given on an as needed basis in a healthcare setting.

Related/similar drugs

lidocaine, fentanyl, ketamine, hyoscyamine, propofol, glycopyrrolate

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine.
• Twitching.
• Change in eyesight or eye pain.
• This medicine may cause a very bad and sometimes deadly problem called malignant hyperthermia. Call your doctor right away if you have a fast heartbeat, fast breathing, fever, or spasm or stiffness of the jaw muscles.

What are some other side effects of Succinylcholine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Succinylcholine?

• If you need to store succinylcholine at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about succinylcholine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer