succinylcholine

Suxamethonium chloride

Suxamethonium chloride (brand names Scoline and Sucostrin, among others), also known as suxamethonium or succinylcholine, or simply sux in medical abbreviation, is a medication used to cause short-term paralysis as part of the process of general anesthesia. This is done to help with tracheal intubation or electroconvulsive therapy. It is administered by injection, either intravenously or intramuscularly. When used in a vein, onset of action is generally within one minute and effects last for up to 10 minutes. Common side effects of suxamethonium chloride include low blood pressure, increased saliva production, muscle pain, and rash. Possible serious side effects include malignant hyperthermia, hyperkalemia and allergic reactions. The use of suxamethonium chloride is not recommended in the treatment of people who are at risk of hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) or with history of myopathy. Use during pregnancy appears to be safe. Suxamethonium is a neuromuscular-blocking agent (NMBA), and is classified as a depolarizing neuromuscular drug. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on skeletal muscles. Suxamethonium was described as early as 1906 although it did not enter medical use until 1951. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Suxamethonium is a prescription medication in the United States, and is available as a generic medication.