Name: Succinylcholine (Anectine)
Class: Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
Mech.: ACh congener ® continuous stim. of nicotin. neuromusc receptors, making them refractory to production of action potentials.
Absorption: IV
Dist.: Poor CNS.
Metab.: Plasma and liver pseudocholinesterases.
Excretion, t½: Effect begins 1-1.5 min., peaks in 2 min., over by 5 min.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Initial stim. causes asynchronous twitches (fasciculations) over chest and abd. ® post-op. muscle soreness. Bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, tachycardia. Rare malignant hyperthermia when admin. w/halothane. Low pseudocholinesterase activity ® prolonged apnea; requires artific. resp. until patient recovers.
Utility: Relaxes skeletal muscle, esp. abdominal wall. Used in surgery.
Special Features: