Anectine

Anectine is the brand name for succinylcholine chloride, a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used to produce rapid, short‑term paralysis for tracheal intubation and other brief surgical procedures. It is typically administered intravenously and is valued for its very fast onset and short duration of action.

Mechanism and pharmacokinetics: Succinylcholine acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing immediate depolarization followed by receptor desensitization. This produces transient fasciculations and then flaccid paralysis that lasts only a few minutes. It is rapidly hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) and has a clinically short duration compared with nondepolarizing agents. Dosing is generally weight-based and intended for rapid sequence induction.

Clinical use and considerations: Anectine facilitates rapid endotracheal intubation and short procedures requiring brief muscle relaxation. It is not typically suitable for prolonged paralysis. Reversal of its effects is not achieved with standard acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and it may be contradicted in certain conditions.

Contraindications and adverse effects: Known hypersensitivity to succinylcholine, or a history or risk of malignant hyperthermia, are important contraindications. Side effects can include transient fasciculations, myalgia, hyperkalemia (especially in patients with burns, spinal cord injury, or neuromuscular disease), bradycardia, and increased intraocular, intragastric, or intracranial pressure. Rare anaphylaxis or prolonged paralysis may occur in pseudocholinesterase deficiency or unusual metabolic states.

Interactions: Certain antibiotics and other drugs can influence neuromuscular transmission; and reversal is not achieved with typical reversal agents, while sugammadex does not reverse succinylcholine effects.