Succinylcholine Chloride
Also known as: Anectine, Quelicin
This medication is strictly for use by trained veterinary professionals in a clinical setting. * **Important:** This drug is a paralytic. It stops muscles from moving, including the muscles used for breathing, but it **does not provide any pain relief or sedation**. * Your pet will be given other medications to ensure they are fully asleep and pain-free before this drug is administered. * Because it stops breathing muscles, the veterinary team will place a breathing tube and use a machine to breathe for your pet until the drug wears off completely.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Muscle relaxation
- Muscle relaxation
- Muscle relaxation
- Muscle relaxation
- Muscle relaxation
- To relax an animal to allow intubation
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Muscle soreness
- Histamine release
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Excessive salivation
- Hyperkalemia
- Rash
- Myoglobinemia
- Myoglobinuria
- Bradycardia
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Arrhythmias
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe liver disease
- Chronic anemias
- Chronic malnourishment
- Glaucoma or penetrating eye injuries
- Predisposition to malignant hyperthermia
- Increased CPK values with resultant myopathies
- Recent use of organophosphate agents
- > **CRITICAL WARNING:** Succinylcholine has NO analgesic or anesthetic effects. It must be used with appropriate analgesic, sedative, and anesthetic agents. Mechanical ventilation is required. * **Hyperkalemia Risk:** Use with extreme caution in patients with traumatic wounds, burns, preexisting hyperkalemia, or electrolyte imbalances, as fatal arrhythmias or cardiac arrest may occur due to sudden potassium efflux from muscle cells. * **Organ Dysfunction:** Use with caution in patients with pulmonary, renal, cardiovascular, metabolic, or hepatic dysfunction. * **Equine Specifics (AAEP Recommendations):** Inform owners it is a restraining agent, not an anesthetic. Do not use if the horse has received 'mycin' antibiotics, organophosphates, cholinesterase inhibitors, or procaine within 30 days. Do not use in debilitated/exhausted horses. Withhold food 4-6 hours prior. Be prepared to administer oxygen and artificial respiration. Have a handler prevent the horse from falling forward.
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: May increase succinylcholine's effects by causing electrolyte imbalances
- Digoxin: Succinylcholine may cause a sudden outflux of potassium from muscle cells, causing arrhythmias in digitalized patients
- Opiates: Potential for increased incidences of bradycardia and sinus arrest
- Thiazide Diuretics: May increase succinylcholine's effects by causing electrolyte imbalances
- Aminoglycosides: May increase or prolong neuromuscular blockade
- Inhalant Anesthetics (Isoflurane, Desflurane): May increase or prolong neuromuscular blockade
- Antiarrhythmics (Quinidine, Lidocaine, Procainamide): May increase or prolong neuromuscular blockade
- Beta-Adrenergic Blockers: May increase or prolong neuromuscular blockade
- Corticosteroids: May increase or prolong neuromuscular blockade
- Magnesium Salts: May increase or prolong neuromuscular blockade
- Organophosphates: May increase or prolong neuromuscular blockade (Contraindicated)
Frequently asked questions
What is Succinylcholine Chloride used for in pets?
This medication is strictly for use by trained veterinary professionals in a clinical setting. * **Important:** This drug is a paralytic. It stops muscles from moving, including the muscles used for breathing, but it **does not provide any pain relief or sedation**. * Your pet will be given other medications to ensure they are fully asleep and pain-free before this drug is administered. * Because it stops breathing muscles, the veterinary team will place a breathing tube and use a machine to breathe for your pet until the drug wears off completely.
Is Succinylcholine Chloride safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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