What is a potential side effect of Succinylcholine?

Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker commonly used to induce muscle relaxation during surgical procedures or intubation. One of the well-documented side effects associated with its administration is fasciculations, which are involuntary muscle contractions that can occur just prior to paralysis. These fasciculations result from the brief depolarization of the neuromuscular junction before the drug causes sustained paralysis of the muscle fibers.

The presence of muscle twitching or fasciculations can often be seen as a characteristic response to succinylcholine, and understanding this side effect is crucial for flight paramedics and other medical professionals to anticipate the effects of the drug during patient care. Recognizing fasciculations helps ensure proper monitoring and management of the patient’s condition as they transition to a paralyzed state.

In contrast, the other options—hypertension, hypothermia, and bradycardia—while possible complications in various contexts of medical treatment, are not typically associated with the immediate effects of succinylcholine. Thus, the side effect of fasciculations is a specific and notable concern when using this medication in clinical practice.