Description:

Suxamethonium (Succinylcholine) is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used to induce short-term muscle paralysis, most commonly to facilitate endotracheal intubation or during short surgical procedures. It acts rapidly and has a short duration of action.

Prescription:

• Yes, it is a prescription-only medication.

• Used exclusively in hospital or surgical settings under professional supervision.

Therapeutic Category:

• Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agent

• Muscle Relaxant for Anesthesia
  

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Suxamethonium Chloride 100 mg (usually in 2 mL or 5 mL ampoules at 50 mg/mL)
  

Vitamins:

• None
  

Minerals:

• None

Variant:

• Commonly available as:
  • 100 mg/2 mL ampoule (50 mg/mL concentration)

  • Other strengths: 500 mg/10 mL, depending on manufacturer
    

Consume Type:

• Parenteral (Intravenous or Intramuscular injection)

• To be administered only by trained healthcare professionals

Directions/Usage:

• IV route preferred for rapid onset (30–60 seconds)

• Dose individualized based on weight, procedure type, and other anesthetic agents used

• Typically used for rapid sequence intubation or short procedures

• Not intended for prolonged muscle relaxation due to risk of side effects
  

Common Side Effects:

• Muscle fasciculations (initial muscle twitching)

• Bradycardia

• Hyperkalemia (risk of cardiac arrest in susceptible individuals)

• Increased intraocular and intragastric pressure

• Malignant hyperthermia (rare but serious)

• Postoperative muscle pain

• Apnea or prolonged paralysis (especially in patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency)

Package Type:

• Glass ampoules (e.g., 2 mL or 5 mL)

• Packaged in blister trays or boxes with a leaflet insert
  

Storage Advice:

• Store between 2°C and 8°C (Refrigerated)

• Do not freeze

• Protect from light

• Must be used soon after opening ampoule

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in:
  • Patients with a history of malignant hyperthermia

  • Known or suspected hyperkalemia

  • Conditions like burns, neuromuscular disorders, or severe trauma (risk of fatal hyperkalemia)

• Must be used with ventilatory support ready

• Requires continuous monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function

• Use with caution in pediatric patients

• May cause prolonged apnea in patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency

Product Substitutes:

• Rocuronium (non-depolarizing alternative for rapid sequence intubation)

• Vecuronium, Atracurium, Cisatracurium (for longer-acting paralysis)
  (Note: Substitution should be guided strictly by an anesthesiologist or critical care specialist.)

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Aspen, Hameln Pharma, Neon Laboratories, Samarth Life Sciences, Cipla, Fresenius Kabi, among others.
  

Country of Origin:

• Varies by manufacturer. Common origins include:
  • Germany (Hameln)

  • India (Neon, Cipla, Samarth)

  • South Africa (Aspen)

  • USA (for some brands, less common due to restricted availability)