Succinylcholine
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used to induce muscle relaxation during surgical procedures and endotracheal intubation. It acts at the motor end plate by binding to cholinergic receptors, causing sustained depolarization that prevents neuromuscular transmission. This medication is primarily used in anesthesia settings for short procedures requiring rapid onset and offset of action.
A short-acting depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used to relax muscles during surgery and airway management.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M03AB01
- RxNorm
- 10154
- Generic
- Succinylcholine
- Class
- atc-m03
- Brands
- Quelicin, Anectine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
may be used for rapid sequence induction during C-section when benefits outweigh risks
fetal heart rate monitoring, uterine tone assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenreduce dose based on weight, 1-2 mg/kg IV
use with caution due to risk of malignant hyperthermia and hyperkalemia; avoid in patients with myopathies
cardiac monitoring, potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose, start with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity, reduced plasma cholinesterase activity, and higher risk of hyperkalemia
cardiac monitoring, potassium levels, renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renaluse reduced dose, extend interval
use with extreme caution; impaired renal function increases risk of hyperkalemia and prolonged paralysis
monitor potassium, renal function, neuromuscular function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepaticmay require dose reduction
use with caution; severe hepatic impairment may reduce plasma cholinesterase activity leading to prolonged effect
neuromuscular function monitoring, liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding; minimal transfer to breast milk
no specific monitoring required
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Used to produce skeletal muscle relaxation during general anesthesia for surgical procedures, endotracheal intubation, and mechanical ventilation. Particularly valuable when rapid onset and short duration are required, such as in emergency airway management or short surgical procedures.
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the motor end plate. Unlike acetylcholine, it causes a sustained depolarization of the muscle membrane, preventing repolarization and subsequent neuromuscular transmission, resulting in flaccid paralysis.
Contraindicated in patients with known malignant hyperthermia, hyperkalemia, burns, crush injuries, or denervation injuries due to risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia. Common side effects include muscle fasciculations, myalgia, and increased intraocular/intragastric pressure. Requires careful monitoring of potassium levels and vital signs during administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy