Succinylcholine (SCH)

Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker composed of two acetylcholine molecules linked via their acetyl groups. It is used clinically to induce rapid, short-term skeletal muscle paralysis to facilitate procedures such as tracheal intubation or electroconvulsive therapy. It acts as an agonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction, causing continuous depolarization and leaving the muscle unable to contract, resulting in flaccid paralysis. The onset of action occurs within a minute and lasts up to ten minutes. Succinylcholine is not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or endogenous biomolecule, but rather a pharmacological agent with significant safety concerns due to risks like hyperkalemia and malignant hyperthermia. Its structure is that of a diquaternary ammonium compound (chemical formula: C14H30N2O4), very soluble in water, and commonly administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Other names

suxamethoniumsuxamethonium chlorideQuelicinScolineSucostrinsuxsuccinylcholine chlorideAnectine

Acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing persistent depolarization of the motor end plate, resulting in muscle paralysis (depolarizing neuromuscular blockade)