About suxamethonium chloride
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent
Used for
- Brief muscle relaxation during general anaesthesia or emergency airway management.
Usual adult dose
Intravenous: usually 0.6–1 mg/kg for intubation; dosing is adjusted by an anaesthesia professional.
Usual dose in children
Intravenous: usually 1–2 mg/kg for intubation; dosing is adjusted by an anaesthesia professional.
Common side effects
- Muscle twitching and postoperative muscle pain
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Raised potassium levels
- Prolonged breathing muscle paralysis
Important warnings
- Use only by trained professionals with ventilation and resuscitation facilities.
- Can cause life-threatening high potassium, especially with burns, nerve injury, or certain muscle disorders.
- Avoid in personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia.
- Can cause prolonged paralysis in people with low or atypical plasma cholinesterase.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically necessary; it crosses the placenta in small amounts.
Breastfeeding
No specific data; a single dose is unlikely to affect a breastfed infant because it is rapidly broken down.
Interactions
- Anaesthetic gases may increase malignant hyperthermia risk.
- Other neuromuscular blockers can alter or prolong its effects.
- Some antibiotics, magnesium, and lithium may intensify paralysis.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors may prolong or alter its effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.