DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Succinylcholine

March 21, 2017

Succinylcholine Chloride Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

Succinylcholine (SUK seh nil KOH leen) is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is used to relax muscles during surgery or while on a breathing machine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • glaucoma

  • high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium in the blood

  • history of nerve or muscle disease

  • large areas of burned or damaged skin

  • low levels of calcium in the blood

  • low levels of potassium in the blood

  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma

  • pseudocholinesterase deficiency

  • severely injured

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to succinylcholine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein or muscle or for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

  • birth control pills

  • certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

  • certain medicines for infection like amikacin, capreomycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, lincomycin, polymyxin B, tobramycin, vancomycin

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like metoclopramide

  • general anesthetics

  • magnesium

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • phenelzine

  • some medicines for cancer

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems

  • signs and symptoms of increased potassium like muscle weakness; chest pain; or fast, irregular heartbeat

  • signs and symptoms of muscle injury like dark urine; trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine; unusually weak or tired; muscle pain or side or back pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • excessive saliva

  • muscle cramps

  • muscle pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert