SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE

12.1 Mechanism of Action Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. As does acetylcholine, it combines with the cholinergic receptors of the motor end plate to produce depolarization. This depolarization may be observed as fasciculations. Subsequent neuromuscular transmission is inhibited so long as adequate concentration of succinylcholine remains at the receptor site. Onset of flaccid paralysis is rapid (less than one minute after intravenous administration), and with single administration lasts approximately 4 to 6 minutes. The paralysis following administration of succinylcholine is progressive, with differing sensitivities of different muscles. This initially involves consecutively the levator muscles of the face, muscles of the glottis and finally the intercostals and the diaphragm and all other skeletal muscles.

Contraindications

• • multiple trauma
• • extensive denervation of skeletal muscle
• • or upper motor neuron injury
• • Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.5 )] Skeletal muscle myopathies ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to succinylcholine ( 4 ) After the acute phase of injury following major burns
• • multiple trauma