Succinylcholine
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