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Side Effects of Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine is a muscle relaxant that is used for surgeries. It is also used for bringing on anesthesia or for the insertion of tubes into windpipes. The medication is classified as being a depolarizing muscle relaxant, and prevents the muscles from contracting. The contraction of muscles can lead to paralysis of the facial muscles, including those that are vital for movement and breathing. There are possible side effects that are occasionally associated with Succinylcholine use.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Succinylcholine are the twitching of the muscles, muscle ache right after surgery, and the production of more saliva. These side effects are generally considered to not be cause for alarm because they tend to go away as the body gets used to the medication. However, if the side effects worsen or intensify, it might be necessary to seek medical help.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious side effects can also happen due to Succinylcholine. In cases of serious side effects, it is vital to get emergency medical assistance as soon as possible. Some potentially harmful side effects of the medication are chest ache, rapid breathing, raised body temperature, tightening of the jaw, chest pounding, slowed down breathing, breathing pauses, more pressure in the eye, high body temperature and slow or fast heartbeat.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions are also considered to be serious side effects of Succinylcholine. In situations of allergic reaction, it is crucial to get medical assistance as soon as possible. Some signs of allergic reaction to the muscle relaxant are having trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, and face, skin rash, breaking out into hives, chest tightness, and itchiness.

    Warnings

    • Succinylcholine is not suitable for everyone. Some people are strictly advised against using Succinylcholine as a muscle relaxant, including those who are allergic to any of its ingredients, those who have a family or personal history of malignant hyperthermia or muscle disease, and those who have recently experienced severe trauma, burn, damage to the nerves or upper body movement injury.

    Overdose

    • If an individual suspects that they might have overdosed on Succinylcholine, they must immediately seek emergency medical attention. Some symptoms of Succinylcholine overdose include breathing pauses, slower breathing, and weakness of the muscles. Should a person experience any of these signs right after taking too much Succinylcholine, she most likely has overdosed.

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