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Succinylcholine

Prescription

Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agent

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Depolarizing NMBA that mimics acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing initial muscle fasciculations followed by prolonged depolarization-induced paralysis. Rapidly hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase (short duration 5–10 min).

At a glance

Class

Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agent

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; some formulations stable at room temperature; check package insert

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Short-acting for rapid sequence intubation

Dose

0.3 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single dose

🐈

Cat

Used for rapid sequence intubation in cats

Dose

0.3–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single dose

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; some formulations stable at room temperature; check package insert

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Airway and ventilation (requires mechanical ventilation)ECG and heart rateSpO2 continuouslyReturn of spontaneous breathing

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Neostigmine

contraindicated

Neostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase which normally degrades succinylcholine. Combined: massively prolonged depolarizing blockade (hours of paralysis).

Management: NEVER give neostigmine to reverse succinylcholine (depolarizing agent). Neostigmine only reverses NON-depolarizing agents (atracurium, vecuronium, rocuronium).

Major — 1

Digoxin

major

Succinylcholine causes transient hyperkalemia (K+ release from muscle depolarization). In digitalized patients, hyperkalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity, risking fatal arrhythmias.

Management: Avoid succinylcholine in digitalized patients. Use non-depolarizing NMBA (rocuronium) instead.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Anectine

Quelicin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Succinylcholine?

Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used in pets. Depolarizing NMBA that mimics acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing initial muscle fasciculations followed by prolonged depolarization-induced paralysis. Rapidly hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase (short duration 5–10 min).

›What is Succinylcholine used for in pets?

Succinylcholine is used in veterinary medicine for: Short-acting for rapid sequence intubation; Used for rapid sequence intubation in cats.

›What is the Succinylcholine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Succinylcholine is typically dosed as follows — Short-acting for rapid sequence intubation: 0.3 mg/kg IV Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Succinylcholine dose for cats?

For cats, Succinylcholine is typically dosed as follows — Used for rapid sequence intubation in cats: 0.3–0.5 mg/kg IV Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Succinylcholine need a prescription?

Yes. Succinylcholine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database