Suxethonium chloride

Suxethonium Chloride

Chemical structure of Suxethonium Chloride

Suxethonium chloride, also known as succinylcholine chloride, is a medication used to induce muscle relaxation and short-term paralysis as part of general anesthesia. It is commonly used to facilitate tracheal intubation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.

Pharmacology

Suxethonium chloride is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. It works by mimicking the action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, leading to continuous stimulation of the muscle and subsequent desensitization. This results in muscle paralysis.

Mechanism of Action

Suxethonium chloride binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction, causing an initial depolarization of the muscle membrane. This depolarization is followed by a phase of desensitization, during which the muscle is unable to respond to further stimulation, leading to paralysis.

Duration of Action

The effects of suxethonium chloride are typically short-lived, with paralysis lasting approximately 5 to 10 minutes. This is due to its rapid hydrolysis by plasma cholinesterase into inactive metabolites.

Clinical Use

Suxethonium chloride is primarily used in anesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation. It is also used in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to prevent muscle contractions during the procedure.

Indications

• Rapid sequence induction of anesthesia
• Facilitation of tracheal intubation
• Muscle relaxation during surgery
• Prevention of muscle contractions during ECT

Contraindications

Suxethonium chloride is contraindicated in patients with a history of malignant hyperthermia, myopathies associated with elevated creatine kinase, and in those with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Side Effects

Common side effects of suxethonium chloride include muscle pain, bradycardia, and hyperkalemia. Rare but serious side effects include malignant hyperthermia and anaphylaxis.

Related Pages

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Anesthesia
• Tracheal intubation
• Malignant hyperthermia