Frequently asked questions for Suxamethonium
Suxamethonium
Q. Is Suxamethonium a non-competitive antagonist/ agonist?
Suxamethonium is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor non-competitive agonistQ. What is Suxamethonium chloride used for/ how does Suxamethonium work/ how does Suxamethonium chloride work?
Suxamethonium is used in anesthesia to induce muscle relaxation during operations, to facilitate endotracheal intubation (help insert a tube into the windpipe), reduce strong muscle contractionQ. What is Suxamethonium apnoea?
Suxamethonium apnoea occurs when a patient does not have the enzymes to metabolise the drug. Due to this, a patient may remain paralysed for an increased length of time and cannot breathe adequately at the end of an anaestheticQ. Why does Suxamethonium cause bradycardia (abnormally slow heart beat)?
The initial metabolite of Suxamethonium produces a transient negative chronotropic effect through its stimulation of sinus node muscarinic receptors. Repeated dosing or infusions of Suxamethonium may lead to bradycardia that is appropriately treated with atropineQ. Why does suxamethonium cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood)?
Administration of suxamethonium may lead to depolarization and a large efflux of intracellular potassium into the plasma thereby resulting in hyperkalemiaQ. Why does Suxamethonium cause fasciculation (twitching of muscles under the skin)?
Suxamethonium cause fasciculation by an action on some distal part of motor nerve fibresQ. Is Suxamethonium still used?
Suxamethonium is still used during general anesthesiaQ. Is Suxamethonium reversible?
Suxamethonium is a short-acting muscle relaxant which exerts a depolarizing effect at the neuromuscular junction. This effect is not reversible pharmacologicallyQ. Is Suxamethonium is contraindicated in burned patients?
Yes, Suxamethonium should not be used in burned patientsQ. What is Suxamethonium sensitivity?
Suxamethonium sensitivity is when the drug remains active for a longer period of time than is usual due to which muscles stay relaxedQ. Does Suxamethonium cross the placenta?
In normal therapeutic doses, Suxamethonium does not cross the placental barrier in sufficient amounts.