succinylcholine chloride /suk′sinilkō″lēn/ , a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that is a skeletal muscle relaxant. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed to provide an adjunct to anesthesia, to reduce muscle contractions during surgery or mechanical ventilation, and to facilitate endotracheal intubation. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. Caution is used in administering it to patients with a family history of malignant hyperthermia, those with low pseudocholinesterase levels, and those with myasthenia gravis or renal failure. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are cardiac arrhythmia, severe respiratory depression, and (rarely) malignant hyperthermia.
