Succinylcholine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2024.

Applies to succinylcholine: solution.

Serious side effects of succinylcholine

Along with its needed effects, succinylcholine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking succinylcholine:

Incidence not known

• blurred vision
• change in vision
• chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• confusion
• cough
• dark-colored urine
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• high fever
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• lightheadedness
• loss of vision
• muscle twitches, pain, stiffness, cramps, or spasms
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness
• no blood pressure or pulse
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rigid muscles
• stopping of the heart
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness or heaviness of the legs

Other side effects of succinylcholine

Some side effects of succinylcholine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• watering of the mouth and drooling

For healthcare professionals

Applies to succinylcholine: compounding powder, injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, intravenous solution.

Hypersensitivity adverse events

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Muscle fasciculation, post-operative muscle pain
• Common (1% to 10%): Myoglobinemia, myoglobinuria
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Trismus
• Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, myoglobinemia, elevated creatine phosphokinase, hypertonia, precipitation or exacerbation of myasthenia gravis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased intraocular pressure^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchospasm, prolonged respiratory depression, apnea
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Increased bronchial secretions, pulmonary edema (in infants)^[Ref]

Other

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Malignant hyperthermia, porphyria^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Renal failure^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, tachycardia, flushing, hypertension, hypotension
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Arrhythmias (including ventricular arrhythmia), cardiac arrest, hyperkalemia-related cardiac arrest (following administration to patients with congenital cerebral palsy, tetanus, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and closed head injury)
• Frequency not reported: Circulatory collapse, shock^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Increased intragastric pressure, excessive salivation
• Frequency not reported: Increased bowel movements, increased gastric secretions^[Ref]

Further information

Succinylcholine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer