IV Dilution &
Medication Reference

Succinylcholine (Anectine ®)

Usual Diluents

Standard Dilutions [Amount of drug] [Infusion volume] [Infusion rate]

Continuous infusion:
2.5 mg/min (0.5 to 10 mg/min).
Dilute to 1-2 mg/ml. Diluents: D5W, NS

Stability / Miscellaneous

Depolarizing skeletal muscle blocker.
Indications: procedures of short duration such as endotracheal intubation.

[Onset: (IM): 2-3 minutes (IV):30-60 seconds]
[Duration: (IM): 10-30min (IV): 4-6 min.]

Dosing:
Adults: 0.6 mg/kg (0.3 to 1.1) over 10-30 seconds, up to 150mg total dose.
Maintenance: 0.04 to 0.07 mg/kg q5-10min prn.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The dosage of succinylcholine should be individualized and should always be determined by the clinician after careful assessment of the patient.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Solutions which are not clear and colorless should not be used.

-------Adults---------
For Short Surgical Procedures
The average dose required to produce neuromuscular blockade and to facilitate tracheal intubation is 0.6 mg/kg ANECTINE Injection given intravenously. The optimum dose will vary among individuals and may be from 0.3 to 1.1 mg/kg for adults. Following administration of doses in this range, neuromuscular blockade develops in about 1 minute; maximum blockade may persist for about 2 minutes, after which recovery takes place within 4 to 6 minutes. However, very large doses may result in more prolonged blockade. A 5- to 10-mg test dose may be used to determine the sensitivity of the patient and the individual recovery time.

For Long Surgical Procedures
The dose of succinylcholine administered by infusion depends upon the duration of the surgical procedure and the need for muscle relaxation. The average rate for an adult ranges between 2.5 and 4.3 mg per minute.

Solutions containing from 1 to 2 mg per mL succinylcholine have commonly been used for continuous infusion. The more dilute solution (1 mg per mL) is probably preferable from the standpoint of ease of control of the rate of administration of the drug and, hence, of relaxation. This IV solution containing 1 mg per mL may be administered at a rate of 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) to 10 mg (10 mL) per minute to obtain the required amount of relaxation. The amount required per minute will depend upon the individual response as well as the degree of relaxation required. Avoid overburdening the circulation with a large volume of fluid. It is recommended that neuromuscular function be carefully monitored with a peripheral nerve stimulator when using succinylcholine by infusion in order to avoid overdose, detect development of Phase II block, follow its rate of recovery, and assess the effects of reversing agents.

Intermittent IV injections of succinylcholine may also be used to provide muscle relaxation for long procedures. An IV injection of 0.3 to 1.1 mg/kg may be given initially, followed, at appropriate intervals, by further injections of 0.04 to 0.07 mg/kg to maintain the degree of relaxation required.

Intramuscular Use
If necessary, succinylcholine may be given intramuscularly to infants, older children, or adults when a suitable vein is inaccessible. A dose of up to 3 to 4 mg/kg may be given, but not more than 150 mg total dose should be administered by this route. The onset of effect of succinylcholine given intramuscularly is usually observed in about 2 to 3 minutes.

Compatibility and Admixtures
Succinylcholine is acidic (pH 3.5) and should not be mixed with alkaline solutions having a pH greater than 8.5 (e.g., barbiturate solutions). ANECTINE Injection is stable for 24 hours after dilution to a final concentration of 1 to 2 mg/mL in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Aseptic techniques should be used to prepare the diluted product. Admixtures of ANECTINE should be prepared for single patient use only. The unused portion of diluted ANECTINE should be discarded.

HOW SUPPLIED
For immediate injection of single doses for short procedures: ANECTINE (succinylcholine chloride) Injection, 20 mg in each mL.

Multiple-dose vials of 10 mL, box of 10 vials (NDC 0781-3009-95).

Store in refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). The multi-dose vials are stable for up to 14 days at room temperature without significant loss of potency.

Sandoz
Broomfield, CO 80020
Manufactured in Canada by Sandoz Canada Inc.
Distributed by Lek Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
an affiliate of Sandoz Inc.

January 2005
D1003376

Source: [package insert]