What type of muscle relaxant is Succinylcholine classified as?

Succinylcholine is classified as a depolarizing muscle relaxant because it works by mimicking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction. When succinylcholine binds to the neuromuscular junction receptors, it causes a sustained depolarization of the muscle membrane. This initial stimulation leads to muscle contraction, but unlike acetylcholine, succinylcholine is not broken down quickly. As a result, the muscle becomes unable to respond to subsequent impulses, leading to paralysis.

The depolarizing effect is distinct from other types of muscle relaxants, particularly non-depolarizing ones, which block the neuromuscular transmission without causing initial muscle contraction. Understanding the mechanism of action of succinylcholine helps in effectively utilizing this drug in clinical settings, especially during procedures that require rapid muscle relaxation, such as intubation.