Suxamethonium is a drug used to relax muscles during endotracheal intubation or during surgical procedures.
Suxamethonium is a fast-acting muscle relaxant that works by blocking nerve impulse signals from the brain to the muscles. That way, the effect that will occur is paralysis or temporary paralysis. This medicine should only be given by a doctor in a hospital.
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What is Suxamethonium
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Neuromuscular blocking agents |
| Benefit | Relax muscles |
| Used by | Adults and children |
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Suxamethonium for pregnant and lactating women
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Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not yet known whether suxamethonium can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without first telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Suxamethonium
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use suxamethonium if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, hyperkalemia , spinal cord injury, a tendency to hyperthermia , Duchenne muscular dystrophy , or congenital myotonia , which are hereditary diseases that make it difficult for muscles to relax after moving (stiff).
- Tell your doctor if you have pseudocholinesterase deficiency, which can be marked by a history of lasting muscle paralysis or weakness after surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects after using suxamethonium.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Suxamethonium
Suxamethonium will be given by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The following are common doses for using suxamethonium:
Drug form: Intramuscular (IM) injection
- Adult: 3–4 mg/kgBB. Maximum dose of 150 mg.
- Children <1 year of age: Up to 5 mg/kg.
- Children ≥1 year of age: Up to 4 mg/kg.
Drug form: Intravenous (IV) injection
- Adult: 0.3–1.1 mg/kgBB. Additional doses may be given at 5–10 minute intervals. The maximum dose is 500 mg/hour.
- Children aged <1 year: 2 mg/kg.
- Children aged 1–12 years: 1 mg/kg.
How to Use Suxamethonium Properly
Suxamethonium will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected into a vein (intravenous/IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) according to the doctor's instructions.
This medicine can only be used in a hospital. During the injection of suxamethonium, the doctor will monitor by monitoring the patient's oxygen levels and heart function.
Suxamethonium Interactions with Other Drugs
The effects of drug interactions that can occur if suxamethonium is used with other drugs are:
- Prolonged duration of effect of suxamethonium when used with anticholinesterase drugs, antiarrhythmics , magnesium salts, aminoglycosides , anesthetics, SSRI antidepressants, or organophosphate insecticides
- Increased risk of developing hyperkalemia when used with digitalis drugs, such as digoxin
- Decreased duration of the muscle relaxant effect of suxamethonium when used with diazepam
Side Effects and Dangers of Suxamethonium
Some of the side effects that may arise after using suxamethonium are:
- Muscle ache
- High rise in body temperature ( hyperthermia )
- Hypotension or hypertension
- Respiratory disorders
- Fast or slow heart rate
- Discomfort or pain in the eye due to increased pressure in the eye
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't subside or get worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction after using suxamethonium.