Depolarising muscle relaxants

  • Suxamethonium, IV, 1–1.5 mg/kg.
    • Onset 30–60 seconds.
    • Duration 5 minutes.
    • Repeated doses associated with bradycardia and prolonged neuromuscular block.
    • Contraindicated in patients at risk for developing suxamethonium-induced hyperkalaemia, e.g. upper or lower motor neuron defect, prolonged chemical denervation (ICU >3 days), direct muscle trauma, tumour or inflammation, burns, disuse atrophy, severe infection, pre-existing hyperkalaemia.

LoEIII [6]