The article presents the experience with succinylcholine fromrecent decades.It explains the mechanism of its action,side effects and shows alternative methods and drugs which can replace succinylcholine.The main indication for succinylcholine is rapid-sequence intubation or anticopated difficult airway.Succinylcholine can not be recommended as ideal neuromuscular blocking agent for elective procedures,mainly in newborns and little children. For elective procedures in children we should choose a nondepolarizing drug with short or middle-lasting effect.The future perspective seems to be in rocuronium or rapacuronium.

        Key words: succinylcholine –indications –side effects –contraindications –alternative methods