Is associated with catecholamine release leading to sinus tachycardia.
+Is associated with life-threatening hyperkalemia in patients with an acute burn injury.
+Exerts its effects by binding competitively with acetylcholine receptors on the motor end plate.
+Should be avoided in patients suspected of having reduced cholinesterase activity, such as in pregnancy or in liver disease.
+Retains more than 90% of its original activity when stored at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Although at times it is difficult to distinguish the effects of succinylcholine from the effects of laryngoscopy and intubation, it causes cardiac muscarinic receptor stimulation leading to bradycardia. Acute trauma such as burn injuries is not a contraindication to the use of succinylcholine. The effects of succinylcholine are exerted by its noncompetitive binding with acetylcholine receptors on the motor end plate. It is not necessary to avoid succinylcholine in any patient suspected of having reduced pseudocholinesterase activity.