SUXAMETHONIUM CHLORIDE

Indications & Dose:

Neuromuscular blockade (short duration) during surgery and intubation

• BY INTRAVENOUS INJECTION

Adult: 1–1.5 mg/kg 

Contraindications:

Severe hepatic functional disorder, pulmonary oedema, low plasma cholinesterase activity, History of malignant hyperthermia, renal failure, severe burns, glaucoma, open eye injury, congenital myotonic disease, inadequate general anaesthesia, after major trauma, neurological disorders associated with    muscle wasting. 

Side Effects:

Postoperative muscle pain,  tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, hypotension; bronchospasm, apnoea. Hyperkalaemia-related cardiac arrest. Respiratory depression or apnoea, malignant hyperthermia, excessive salivation, myoglobinuria, rise in intra-ocular pressure, tachycardia or bradycardia. Serious histamine mediated flushing, bronchoconstriction and hypotension are uncommon in normal clinical usage

Cautions:

Precautions:

Renal or hepatic failure, myasthenia gravis. Repeated injection can cause bradycardia, extrasystoles, other cardiac irregularities.

Pregnancy: & Breast-feeding: Use with caution.

Old age: May be used.

Interaction:

Drug

Diazepam: Reduces duration of neuromuscular blockade produced by succinylcholine.

Phenelzine, Promazine, Oxytocin, certain Nonpenicillin antibiotics, Quinidine, Beta-blockers, Procainamide, Lidocaine, Trimethaphan, Lithium carbonate, Furo-semide, Magnesium sulphate, Quinine, Chloroquine, Acetylcholine, Anticholinesterases, Procaine type local  anaesthetics and isoflurance: May enhance the efficacy of succinylcholine.

Amphotericin B and Thiazide diuretics: Electrolyte imbalances caused by these result in increased effects of succinylcholine.

Digitals glycosides: Toxicity of both drugs may be increased.

Inhalation anaesthetics (e.g. cyclopropane, diethylether, halothane and nitrous oxide):

Increased incidence of bradycardia,arrhythmias, sinus arrest and apnoea. Malignant hyperthermia may occur in susceptible individuals.

Narcotic analgesics: Increased incidence of bradycardia and cardiac arrest

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: