BOXED WARNING WARNING: VENTRICULAR DYSRHYTHMIAS, CARDIAC ARREST, AND DEATH FROM HYPERKALEMIC RHABDOMYOLYSIS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS Acute rhabdomyolysis with hyperkalemia followed by ventricular dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death has occurred after the administration of succinylcholine to apparently healthy pediatric patients who were subsequently found to have undiagnosed skeletal muscle myopathy, most frequently Duchenne muscular dystrophy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. When a healthy appearing pediatric patient develops cardiac arrest within minutes after administration of succinylcholine chloride, not felt to be due to inadequate ventilation, oxygenation or anesthetic overdose, immediate treatment for hyperkalemia should be instituted. In the presence of signs of malignant hyperthermia, appropriate treatment should be instituted concurrently [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Reserve the use of succinylcholine chloride in pediatric patients for emergency intubation or instances where immediate securing of the airway is necessary, e.g., laryngospasm, difficult airway, full stomach, or for intramuscular use when a suitable vein is inaccessible [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . WARNING: VENTRICULAR DYSRHYTHMIAS, CARDIAC ARREST, AND DEATH FROM HYPERKALEMIC RHABDOMYOLYSIS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Acute rhabdomyolysis with hyperkalemia followed by ventricular dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death has occurred after use in apparently healthy pediatric patients who were subsequently found to have undiagnosed skeletal muscle myopathy. ( 5.1 ) When a healthy-appearing pediatric patient develops cardiac arrest soon after administration of succinylcholine chloride, not felt to be due to other causes, immediate treatment for hyperkalemia should be instituted. In the presence of signs of malignant hyperthermia, appropriate treatment should be instituted concurrently. ( 5.1 ) Reserve use of succinylcholine chloride in pediatric patients for emergency intubation or instances where immediate securing of the airway is necessary, or for intramuscular use when a suitable vein is inaccessible. ( 5.1 )
Adult Dosing
General dosing
For intravenous or intramuscular use only. Individualize dosage after careful assessment of the patient. Accidental administration of neuromuscular blocking agents may be fatal. Store succinylcholine chloride injection with the cap and ferrule intact and in a manner that minimizes the possibility of selecting the wrong product. See full prescribing information for succinylcholine chloride injection dosage recommendations, preparation instructions, and administration information. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 , 2.6 ) 2.1 ImportantInformation Succinylcholine chloride injection is for intravenous or intramuscular use only. Succinylcholine chloride injection must be titrated to effect by or under supervision of experienced clinicians who are familiar with its actions and with appropriate neuromuscular monitoring techniques. Succinylcholine chloride injection should be administered only by those skilled in the management of artificial respiration and only when facilities are instantly available for tracheal intubation and for providing adequate ventilation of the patient, including the administration of oxygen under positive pressure and the elimination of CO 2 .
Content reviewed and verified by SymptomDx medical team
This information is for clinical reference only. Always verify with current guidelines.
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.