Medicine & USMLE

Succinylcholine

713 views
Neuro Drugs
  1. Anticholinergic Syndrome
  2. Cholinergic Crisis
  3. Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
  4. Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
  5. Donepezil
  6. Memantine
  7. Scopolamine
  8. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  9. Selegiline / Rasagiline
  10. Entacapone / Tolcapone
  11. Propofol
  12. Halothane / Flurane
  13. Opioids
  14. Succinylcholine
  15. Lidocaine
  16. Ergotamine
  17. Triptans
  18. Pregabalin
  19. Gabapentin
  20. 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