Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocker (Muscle Relaxant)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Suxamethonium is a fast-acting muscle relaxant given by injection that temporarily paralyzes your muscles so doctors can insert a breathing tube or perform short surgical procedures safely.
Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction and causes sustained depolarization, resulting in initial fasciculations followed by flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles. This depolarizing blockade prevents repolarization and subsequent muscle contraction necessary for voluntary movement.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is NOT a drug you take at home. It is given strictly by injection in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or anesthetist. The typical adult dose is 1 to 1.5 mg per kilogram of body weight given into a vein. You will never need to dose yourself — a medical professional handles everything.
This does not apply. Suxamethonium is a single-use hospital drug given by a doctor during a procedure — there is no dosing schedule you need to follow at home.
This drug must only be given in a hospital or clinic with full resuscitation equipment available — never accept it outside a proper medical facility. Always tell your doctor about any family history of problems with anesthesia before any surgery. If you work with farm chemicals or insecticides, inform your doctor as this can affect how the drug works in your body.
Certain antibiotics like gentamicin and other aminoglycosides can increase its paralytic effect dangerously. Some pesticides and insecticides (organophosphates, common in Nigerian farming) can make this drug last much longer and become dangerous — always tell your doctor if you work with chemicals. Some anesthetic gases used during surgery also increase its effects.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Suxamethonium with your other drugs?
Suxamethonium crosses to the baby and should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding when the doctor determines it is absolutely necessary — always inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
Store between 2°C and 8°C in a refrigerator. This drug is very sensitive to Nigerian heat and must not be left at room temperature for long periods. Keep away from direct sunlight. This drug is stored and handled by hospitals and pharmacies, not at home.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.