suxamethonium chloride

Suxamethonium chloride, marketed under the brand name Zycords, is a short-acting depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used primarily in clinical anesthesia. It functions by mimicking the action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and causing a prolonged depolarization of the muscle cell membrane. This persistent depolarization prevents the muscle from responding to further nerve impulses, resulting in skeletal muscle relaxation and paralysis. Its rapid onset and short duration of action make it particularly suitable for facilitating endotracheal intubation and providing muscle relaxation during brief surgical procedures or electroconvulsive therapy. It is developed and manufactured by Zydus Lifesciences.

Brand names

ZycordsAnectineQuelicinScoline

Other names

succinylcholine chloridesuxamethonium