Table 20-4
- Bradycardia (especially in children; more likely in adults with second dose)
- Allergic reactions
- Fasciculations
- Muscle pains (relationship to fasciculations not conclusively established)
- Increased intragastric pressure (offset by even greater increase in lower esophageal sphincter pressure)
- Increased intraocular pressure (caused by the cycloplegic action of succinylcholine and not reliably blunted by pretreatment)
- Increased intracranial pressure (small effect and of questionable clinical significance)
- Transient increase in plasma potassium concentration (a normal increase of 0.5–1.0 mEq/L is enhanced by denervation injuries, burns, extensive trauma, or unrecognized muscular dystrophy in boys)
- Trigger for malignant hyperthermia (masseter muscle spasm may be an early sign)
- Prolonged response in the presence of atypical cholinesterase or drug-induced inhibition of plasma cholinesterase activity (neostigmine but not edrophonium)