Medicine & USMLE

Succinylcholine

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Neuro Drugs
  1. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  2. Levetiracetam
  3. Valproic Acid
  4. Anticholinergic Syndrome
  5. Cholinergic Crisis
  6. Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
  7. Lidocaine
  8. Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
  9. Naltrexone
  10. Pregabalin
  11. Scopolamine
  12. Phenytoin
  13. Ethosuximide
  14. Succinylcholine
  15. Opioids
  16. Memantine
  17. Halothane / Flurane
  18. Donepezil
  19. Propofol
  20. Ergotamine
  21. Triptans
  22. Selegiline / Rasagiline
  23. Entacapone / Tolcapone
  24. Gabapentin
  25. Lamotrigine
  26. Carbamazepine
  27. Ramelteon

Summary

Succinylcholine is a muscle paralytic drug that is given alongside anesthesia during surgery. Its most dangerous side effect is malignant hyperthermia.

Key Points

  • Succinylcholine
    • Mechanism
      • Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocker
        • Blocks repolarization of the muscle cells, preventing them from contracting
    • Clinical Use
      • Muscle relaxant/paralytic
        • Used as an adjunct in anesthesia to paralyze the muscles of the oropharynx during intubation to prevent gag reflex and aspiration
      • Control seizures during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
    • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
      • Malignant hyperthermia
        • Medical emergency; excessive release of calcium in muscles causes sustained muscle contractions
        • Characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity
      • Respiratory depression
      • Bradycardia