This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Suxamethonium (Cl) muscle relaxant. Suxamethonium (Cl) used as an adjunct to anesthesia for surgery. Suxamethonium (Cl) acts by depolarization of muscle end plate, rendering the tissue incapable of responding to the neurotransmitter. It is a rapid acting and has a short duration of action.
Indications
Suxamethonium (Cl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Muscle relaxation (rapid onset, short duration), Muscular spasm, Neuromuscular blockade, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Anesthesia, Insomnia, Surgery.
Contraindications
Suxamethonium (Cl) is contraindicated in conditions like Malignant hyperthermia, Myopathy, Eye injuries.
Side Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Suxamethonium (Cl), which give rise to further complications include Increased intragastric pressure, Increased IOP (intraocular pressure).Suxamethonium (Cl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary edema, Respiratory depression, Hyperkalemia, Cardiac arrhythmias, Increased intracranial pressure, Myalgia, Pulmonary hemorrhage, Myoglobinemia, Increased intraocular pressure. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Suxamethonium (Cl) therapy.
Warnings
Avoid suxamethazone in patients with burns, massive trauma, renal impairment, severe long lasting sepsis and severe hyperkalemia, sensitivity to drug, eye injury or glaucoma. It should be used with caution in patients with bone fractures, cardiac or respiratory disease. Dose of neuromuscular blocking agent need to be clearly titrated for individual patients according to their response; monitoring of the degree of block is recommended in order to reduce the risk of overdosage. Patients who have received neuromuscular blocker should always have their respiration assisted or controlled until the drug has been inactivated or antagonized.
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Adult Dosage
0.1 to 0.2 mg/ kg (0.15 (0.15)) As recommended. IV — Usually produce muscle relaxation for 1-3 Min.
Child Dosage
1 mg/kg (1 (1)) As recommended. Intravenous — As required
Neonatal Dosage
2 mg/kg (2 (2)) As recommended. Intravenous — As required
Drug Interactions
Suxamethonium (Cl) is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAlfentanil (HCl)AprotininAtracurium (Besylate)BambuterolBambuterol enhances effects of Suxamethonium.ChloroquineCocaineCyclophosphamideCyclophosphamideDigoxinDistigmine (Br)D-PantothenolPantothenol should be given cautiously with Suxamethonium (Cl) because the risk of anaphylactic shock increases with repeated administration of Pantothenol.Edrophonium (Cl)EtherIsofluraneLignocaineLignocaineLithiumMagnesium Oxides and HydroxidesMagnesium Oxides and HydroxidesMagnesium SulphateMannitolMetacycline (HCl)may prolong neuromascular blockadeMetriphonateInsectisides and anticholinesterase.Mivacurium (Cl)OxybuprocaineOxytocinPentamidinePhenelzinePhysostigminePralidoximeProcainamide (HCl)Promazine (HCl)QuinidineQuinineRivastigmineSufentanil (Citrate)Trimetaphan (Camsylate)Vecuronium (Br) These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
