Are there any serious risks with succinylcholine (Anectine)?

Rarely, succinylcholine (Anectine) can lead to a deadly medical condition that leads to [muscle breakdown](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000473.htm) and high potassium levels in the body, especially in children. High potassium levels can affect heart rhythm, causing the heart to beat irregularly or stop suddenly. The risk is higher for children 8 years and younger with [muscle problems](https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6291/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy). Succinylcholine (Anectine) can put you at higher risk for another life-threatening condition called [malignant hyperthermia](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/malignant-hyperthermia/). Your provider will watch for symptoms that include rapid heart rate, fever, shortness of breath, jaw spasm, or muscle stiffness.

succinylcholine

Q: What is succinylcholine (Anectine)?

Succinylcholine (Anectine) is a neuromuscular blocker. It works by blocking your brain from sending certain signals to your muscles. This causes your muscles to relax. Succinylcholine (Anectine) is given along with general anesthesia to help relax and keep your body still during surgery. It's also given to help relax your vocal cords during intubation or while you're on a breathing machine.

Q: How is succinylcholine (Anectine) given?

Succinylcholine (Anectine) is typically injected into a vein by a healthcare provider. Sometimes, if it's difficult to find your veins, your provider might inject this medication into the muscle instead. Succinylcholine (Anectine) is usually given in a hospital that has the staff and equipment needed to respond to any life-threatening allergic reactions or side effects right away. It's given after you've gone under anesthesia so you don't feel uncomfortable during the injection. The dose for succinylcholine (Anectine) depends on body weight, age, health conditions, and the reason it's being used.

Q: What are some side effects of succinylcholine (Anectine)?

One side effect of succinylcholine (Anectine) is raised eye pressure. Tell your provider if you have a history of [glaucoma](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/glaucoma/glaucoma-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment) or any recent eye injury before receiving this medication. Other potential side effects include change in heart rate, change in blood pressure, drooling, and muscle pain after surgery. Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about receiving succinylcholine (Anectine).

Q: Can succinylcholine (Anectine) cause severe allergic reactions?

In some rare cases, succinylcholine (Anectine) can cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. During your procedure, your provider will watch for any signs and symptoms of allergic reactions (rash, hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face) to make sure this medication is safe for you. Let your provider know if you've had allergic reactions to other muscle relaxers in the hospital during previous surgeries or procedures.

Generic Anectine

Used for Anesthesia

Succinylcholine (Anectine) is a medication that relaxes your muscles. It can be used before surgery with general anesthesia, during intubation, and while you're on a breathing machine. This medication is only available in the hospital, and is given as an intravenous (IV, or into the veins) or intramuscular (IM, or into the muscle) injection by a trained healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 26, 2022

What is Succinylcholine (Anectine)?

What is Succinylcholine (Anectine) used for?

Used along with general anesthesia to relax muscles during surgeries or procedures

Drug facts

Common Brands	Anectine, Quelicin
Drug Class	Neuromuscular blocker
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Anectine, Quelicin

Drug Class

Neuromuscular blocker

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine is a neuromuscular blocker. It works by blocking your brain from sending certain signals to your muscles. This causes your muscles to relax. Succinylcholine is given along with general anesthesia to help relax and keep your body still during surgery. It's also given to help relax your vocal cords during intubation or while you're on a breathing machine.

Succinylcholine is typically injected into a vein by a healthcare provider. Sometimes, if it's difficult to find your veins, your provider might inject this medication into the muscle instead. Succinylcholine is usually given in a hospital that has the staff and equipment needed to respond to any life-threatening allergic reactions or side effects right away. It's given after you've gone under anesthesia so you don't feel uncomfortable during the injection. The dose for Succinylcholine depends on body weight, age, health conditions, and the reason it's being used.

One side effect of Succinylcholine is raised eye pressure. Tell your provider if you have a history of glaucoma or any recent eye injury before receiving this medication. Other potential side effects include change in heart rate, change in blood pressure, drooling, and muscle pain after surgery. Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about receiving Succinylcholine.

In some rare cases, Succinylcholine can cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. During your procedure, your provider will watch for any signs and symptoms of allergic reactions (rash, hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face) to make sure this medication is safe for you. Let your provider know if you've had allergic reactions to other muscle relaxers in the hospital during previous surgeries or procedures.

Rarely, Succinylcholine can lead to a deadly medical condition that leads to muscle breakdown and high potassium levels in the body, especially in children. High potassium levels can affect heart rhythm, causing the heart to beat irregularly or stop suddenly. The risk is higher for children 8 years and younger with muscle problems. Succinylcholine can put you at higher risk for another life-threatening condition called malignant hyperthermia. Your provider will watch for symptoms that include rapid heart rate, fever, shortness of breath, jaw spasm, or muscle stiffness.

People with recent injury or burns, long-term stomach infections, or a history of nerve problems might not be able to receive Succinylcholine since they're more likely to have high potassium levels which can affect the heart. Your provider might have you do blood tests beforehand to make sure this medication is safe for you. Also, Succinylcholine can cause muscle weakness and difficulty breathing for a long period of time. The risk is higher if you're pregnant, have been receiving this medication for a long time, or have medical conditions such as kidney, liver, or heart problems. Some medications (e.g., oral birth controls, corticosteroids, metoclopramide (Reglan)) can also interfere with how your body responds to Succinylcholine.

Succinylcholine (Anectine) dosage

Typical dosage for Succinylcholine (Anectine)

Succinylcholine (Anectine) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Succinylcholine (Anectine) will not be safe for you to take.

Problems with muscle control
After major burns, multiple injuries, or loss of nerves
Personal or family history of dangerously high body temperature to medications used during surgery