Succinylcholine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Anectine, Anectine Flo-Pack, Quelicin

Succinylcholine Pregnancy Warnings

Benefit should outweigh risk.

AU TGA pregnancy category: A
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments:
-Plasma pseudocholinesterase levels are decreased in pregnancy and several days postpartum by approximately 25%; therefore, most patients may be expected to show prolonged apnea.
-This drug crosses the placenta, but only in small amounts. Residual neuromuscular blockade may occur in the neonate after repeated high doses to the mother during delivery by caesarean section.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this drug. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug can cause fetal harm or adversely affect reproductive capacity in humans.

AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

See references