Suxamethonium in clinical practice

Abstract

Although suxamethonium was first described at the beginning of this century its potential as a neuromuscular blocking drug and its introduction into clinical practice was delayed until early 50'S.I,2 The story is well known: the neuromuscular blocking properties of suxamethonium went undiscovered because it was tested in curarized cats. In spite of its rather undesirable side-effect and complications (see later) which may be encountered it is still widely used as a short-acting muscle relax- ant. However, the possibility of a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant of short duration has become more of a reality lately and it is likely that suxamethonium use will become of historical interest only. 3 This article will present the clinical pharmacolofy of suxamethonium, its main clinical indications for use, side-effects and complications, and wi1l comment briefly on the ongoing study of prolonged apnoea following its administration in our Department in the period from 1978 till now.