Suxamethonium chloride - intravenous

Suxamethonium Chloride is used together with medicines to block pain and sensation in surgery.

Suxamethonium Chloride injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- malignant hyperthermia (inherited disease, fast increase of body temperature)
- major trauma or severe burns
- spinal cord injury and other nerve injuries or diseases
- high levels of potassium in the blood
- congenital myotonia (inherited disease affecting skeletal muscles or muscles used for movement)
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (a condition which causes muscle weakness)
as Suxamethonium Chloride may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have a muscle weakness disorder or severe infection.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.

Suxamethonium Chloride may cause muscle pain after administration.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

- very slow heart beat
- fast heart beat
- quick rise in body temperature
- increase in pressure in the eyes
- difficulty breathing

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- medicines for heart disease e.g. lidocaine, procainamide, quinidine
- antibiotics e.g. kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin
- aprotinin (medicine for blood disorder)
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
- medicines for epilepsy (seizure or fits) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- trimetaphan (medicine for high blood pressure)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Suxamethonium Chloride.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid Alcohol.

Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8 °C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.