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RSI succinylcholine
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that binds to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing sustained depolarization and muscle paralysis.
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that binds to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing sustained depolarization and muscle paralysis. Used for Rapid sequence intubation and anesthesia induction, Short surgical procedures requiring muscle relaxation, Emergency airway management.
At a glance
| Generic name | RSI succinylcholine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston |
| Drug class | Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (neuromuscular junction) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Succinylcholine mimics acetylcholine and binds to nicotinic receptors on the motor end plate, causing initial depolarization and visible fasciculations followed by sustained depolarization that prevents repolarization and muscle contraction. This results in rapid onset paralysis lasting several minutes, making it useful for rapid sequence intubation and short procedures. The drug is metabolized by plasma cholinesterase, allowing for relatively quick recovery.
Approved indications
- Rapid sequence intubation and anesthesia induction
- Short surgical procedures requiring muscle relaxation
- Emergency airway management
Common side effects
- Hyperkalemia
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Muscle fasciculations and postoperative myalgia
- Bradycardia
- Increased intracranial pressure
Key clinical trials
- Which Rapid Sequence Induction Technique Should be Used in Urgent Surgery in Children? (NA)
- Optimisation Strategy for Emergency Tracheal Intubation (NA)
- Comparison of Intubation Conditions During Rapid Sequence Induction Obtained With Modified Time Principal Induction With a Standard Intubation Dose of Rocuronium Versus Succinylcholine (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Intubation Duration Between Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) Technique and Non-RSI Technique (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of Etomidate on Adrenal Function in Trauma Patients (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- RSI succinylcholine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- RSI succinylcholine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston portfolio CI