Succinylcholine Chloride
Pronunciation: (suk-sin-il-KOE-leen).
- Generic name
- Succinylcholine chloride
- Brand names
- Quelicin, Anectine, Scoline, Suxamethonium
- Drug class
- Neuromuscular blocking agent (depolarizing muscle relaxant)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Succinylcholine chloride is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Succinylcholine chloride works
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. It mimics acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, binding to nicotinic receptors and causing persistent depolarization of the muscle endplate. This leads to initial muscle fasciculations followed by flaccid paralysis as the muscle is unable to repolarize. (1)
What Succinylcholine chloride is used for
Rapid tracheal intubation
Rapid tracheal intubation (1)
Skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery
Skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery (1)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to prevent muscle injury
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to prevent muscle injury (1)
Control of muscle spasms in tetanus or status epilepticus
Control of muscle spasms in tetanus or status epilepticus (1)
Before taking Succinylcholine chloride
Do not take / not appropriate for
- personal or family history of skeletal muscle myopathies. (Contraindication) (1)
- known hypersensitivity to succinylcholine. (Contraindication) (1)
- use during the post-acute phase of major burns, multiple trauma, extensive denervation of skeletal muscle, or upper motor neuron injury (due to hyperkalemia risk in these states). (Contraindication) (1)
- known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Succinylcholine chloride
- General Instructions: Succinylcholine is only administered by healthcare professionals in a controlled setting. It is not for self-administration.. Adult Dosing: Typical intravenous dose for adults is 0.6 mg/kg, adjusted based on procedure and patient needs. Repeat doses may be given if necessary.. Pediatric Dosing: Children: 1–2 mg/kg IV or 2–3 mg/kg IM, depending on age and clinical situation. Dosing is always individualized and monitored.. Administration: Given as a rapid intravenous injection (IV push) or, rarely, intramuscular injection. Only administered in settings with airway management and resuscitation equipment.. When To Stop: The effects wear off quickly after the dose is stopped. The drug is discontinued immediately if any serious side effects occur.. Storage: Stored in a refrigerator (2–8°C/36–46°F) in the hospital pharmacy. Not for home use.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
Not applicable. Succinylcholine is given as a single dose or as needed during procedures by healthcare professionals.
Overdose
Overdose can cause prolonged paralysis, difficulty breathing, and cardiac arrest. Emergency treatment includes mechanical ventilation and supportive care until the drug wears off. There is no specific antidote. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Bradycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Muscle pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hyperkalemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Malignant hyperthermia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Apnea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Anaphylaxis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased intraocular pressure
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING — Risk of Cardiac Arrest from Hyperkalemic Rhabdomyolysis — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING — Risk of Cardiac Arrest from Hyperkalemic Rhabdomyolysis: there have been rare reports of acute rhabdomyolysis with hyperkalemia followed by ventricular dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death after succinylcholine was given to apparently healthy pediatric patients who were subsequently found to have undiagnosed skeletal muscle myopathy, most frequently Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. This can present as peaked T-waves and sudden cardiac arrest within minutes of administration in healthy-appearing children (usually, but not exclusively, males 8 years of age or younger). Because of this risk, use of succinylcholine in pediatric patients should be reserved for emergency intubation or situations where immediate securing of the airway is necessary.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Risk of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction — serious
Symptoms: Risk of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction. May cause dangerously high potassium, especially in certain medical conditions. Use with caution in patients with neuromuscular diseases or recent burns/trauma. Not recommended for routine muscle relaxation in intensive care settings. Always ensure resuscitation equipment is available during administration.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with a history of malignant hyperthermia, known hypersensitivity to succinylcholine, or those with inherited pseudocholinesterase deficiency. Use with caution in patients with neuromuscular diseases, recent burns, trauma, spinal cord injuries, or conditions causing hyperkalemia, as these increase the risk of life-threatening complications.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Succinylcholine can interact with medications that affect neuromuscular transmission, such as certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides), magnesium sulfate, lithium, and cholinesterase inhibitors. These interactions may increase or prolong muscle paralysis. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (1)
Breastfeeding
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (1)
Children
Frequency: As needed for procedures requiring muscle relaxation.. Weight Based: 1-2 mg/kg IV for intubation.. Max Daily Dose: Dosing is typically based on clinical response; no established maximum daily dose.. Max Single Dose: 2 mg/kg IV.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children under 2 years of age. (1)
Renal_impairment
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Rapid tracheal intubation
Dose summary: Initial dose of 0.6 mg/kg IV for intubation.
Renal context: FDA label: no specific numeric renal dose-adjustment table is given. The label notes plasma cholinesterase activity (the enzyme that breaks down succinylcholine) may be diminished in severe kidney disease, which can prolong the drug's neuromuscular-blocking effect; dosing should always be determined by the anesthesia clinician after careful individual assessment, with resuscitation equipment and monitoring available. (1)
Hepatic guidance
FDA label: no specific numeric hepatic dose-adjustment table is given. Plasma cholinesterase activity, needed to break down succinylcholine, may also be diminished in severe liver disease, which can prolong neuromuscular blockade; dosing should always be individualized by the administering anesthesia clinician, particularly in elderly patients or those with decreased hepatic function, who should generally start at the low end of the dosing range.
Frequently asked questions
What is succinylcholine used for?
Succinylcholine is used to relax muscles during surgery, intubation, or other procedures that require temporary paralysis.
How long does succinylcholine last?
The effects of succinylcholine are very short-acting, typically lasting 4–6 minutes after a single intravenous dose.
Is succinylcholine safe for everyone?
No, succinylcholine is not safe for people with certain muscle disorders, a history of malignant hyperthermia, or those at risk for high potassium. It should only be used under close medical supervision.
Can succinylcholine be reversed?
There is no direct antidote for succinylcholine. Its effects wear off quickly as the drug is broken down in the body. Supportive care is provided if prolonged paralysis occurs.
What are the signs of a serious reaction to succinylcholine?
Serious reactions include muscle rigidity, high fever, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and signs of an allergic reaction. These require immediate medical attention.
Can succinylcholine be used in children?
Yes, but with caution. Dosing is different for children and is always determined by a healthcare professional. Certain children, especially those with undiagnosed muscle disorders, are at higher risk for complications.
What should I tell my doctor before receiving succinylcholine?
Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of muscle disorders, malignant hyperthermia, recent injuries, burns, or if you are taking any medications that may interact with succinylcholine.
What happens if I take too much Succinylcholine?
An overdose of Succinylcholine can lead to prolonged muscle paralysis, including respiratory muscles, resulting in respiratory arrest. Symptoms may include inability to breathe, cyanosis, and cardiovascular collapse. Immediate medical attention is critical. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help without delay, as respiratory support and other interventions may be necessary.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Succinylcholine?
Alcohol consumption is generally not recommended while receiving Succinylcholine. As a neuromuscular blocking agent, Succinylcholine temporarily paralyzes muscles. Alcohol can depress the central nervous system and respiratory drive, potentially exacerbating the effects of muscle relaxation and increasing the risk of respiratory complications. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding alcohol use with any medication.
Is Succinylcholine safe during pregnancy?
Succinylcholine is categorized as a Pregnancy Category C drug. This means that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is crucial to consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits in your specific situation.
What is the mechanism of action of Succinylcholine chloride?
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. It mimics acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, binding to nicotinic receptors and causing persistent depolarization of the muscle endplate. This leads to initial muscle fasciculations followed by flaccid paralysis as the muscle is unable to repolarize. (1)
What is the generic name of Succinylcholine Chloride?
The generic name is Succinylcholine chloride. It is sold under brand names including Quelicin, Anectine, Scoline, Suxamethonium.
What class of drug is Succinylcholine chloride?
Succinylcholine Chloride is classed as: Neuromuscular blocking agent (depolarizing muscle relaxant).
References
- Succinylcholine – MedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE injection, solution – prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- ANECTINE (SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE) INJECTION, SOLUTION [SANDOZ INC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Succinylcholine Chloride — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA209467)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Succinylcholine chloride — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 10154)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Succinylcholine chloride names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Anectine20 mg/mL · sandoz inc
- QUELICIN20 mg/mL · hospira, inc.
Canada
- QUELICIN CHLORIDE INJ
- QUELICIN CHLORIDE