Suxamethonium Chloride Injection for Anaesthesia
Suxamethonium Chloride Injection is a medication used to induce rapid and short-lasting muscle relaxation. It is commonly administered during anesthesia to facilitate procedures such as endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. This ultra-short acting neuromuscular blocking agent works by depolarizing muscle endplates, leading to flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles.
Key Uses:
- Endotracheal Intubation: To relax muscles for easy intubation.
- Surgical Procedures: For short surgical procedures requiring brief muscle relaxation.
- Electro-Convulsive Therapy: To reduce muscle contractions during therapy.
Administration:
- Adults: Typically administered intravenously at a dose of 1 mg/kg, which usually produces muscle relaxation within 30 to 60 seconds and lasts about 2 to 6 minutes. Larger doses can extend the duration of relaxation, but doubling the dose does not necessarily double the effect.
- Paediatric Population: Infants and young children require lower doses, typically 2 mg/kg for neonates and 1 mg/kg for older children. The medication can be given via intravenous bolus or infusion, but continuous infusion is not recommended in children due to the risk of malignant hyperthermia.
Important Considerations:
- Hypersensitivity: Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity to suxamethonium or its excipients.
- Conscious Patients: Should not be administered to conscious patients as it can cause paralysis of respiratory muscles.
- Compatibility: Should not be mixed with other neuromuscular blocking agents or general anesthetics.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Onset and Duration: Rapid onset of action within 30 seconds to 1 minute, with a duration of about 2 to 6 minutes.
- Elimination: Hydrolyzed by plasma pseudocholinesterases, with a small proportion excreted unchanged in urine.
This medication is a crucial tool in anesthesia, ensuring smooth and efficient surgical procedures. However, it must be used with caution and under the guidance of a medical professional.
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