INDICATIONS:

 

• Facilitate endotracheal intubation by paralysis
• Facilitate management of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation

 

DOSAGE:

ADULT:

 

• 1.5mg/kg over 30 seconds; not to exceed 150mg total dose

 

PEDIATRIC:

 

• NOT INDICATED.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

 

• Hypersensitivity to succinylcholine
• History of malignant hyperthermia
• Skeletal muscle myopathies
• Penetrating eye injury

 

SIDE EFFECTS:

 

• Apnea
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Muscle fasciculations

 

SPECIAL NOTES / RESTRICTIONS

 

• Succinylcholine has no effect on consciousness, pain threshold, or cerebration. Must be used only with adequate sedation.
• In elderly time of onset may be delayed due to slower circulation time in cardiovascular disease.
• Use with extreme caution in patients with severe burns, electrolyte imbalance, hyperkalemia, and those receiving Quinidine or Digitalis.