Succinylcholine (By injection)

Succinylcholine (sux-i-nil-KOE-leen)

Relaxes muscles during surgery or other medical procedures.

Brand Name(s):

Amerinet Choice Succinylcholine Chloride, Anectine, Quelicin, Quelicin Novaplus

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to succinylcholine. You should not receive this medicine if you have a history of malignant hyperthermia or problems with your muscles.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine may also be given as a shot into one of your muscles.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or an emergency room.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), procainamide (Procanbid®, Pronestyl®), quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinidex®), or an aminoglycoside (amikacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, Garamycin®, Kantrex®, Netromycin®).
There are many other medicines that can interact with succinylcholine. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, anemia, or lung cancer.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had high potassium or low calcium levels in your blood, or if you have a family member with malignant hyperthermia.
Tell your doctor if you have recently had a serious injury, burn, or broken bone. Also make sure your doctor knows if you have muscle spasms, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, or a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
Dark-colored urine.
Fast or slow heartbeat.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.
Stiff or rigid muscles, especially in your jaw.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Muscle weakness or stiffness in the days after you receive this medicine.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017