Anest. intenziv. Med. 2022;33(5):213-216 | DOI: 10.36290/aim.2022.042

Suxamethonium - is it still needed?Review Article

Cvachovec K.

Klinika anesteziologie, resuscitace a intenzívní medicíny 2. LF UK Praha ve FN Motol, Praha

Katedra anesteziologie a intenzívní medicíny IPVZ Praha

Fakulta zdravotnických studií TU v Liberci

After decades of use, the consumption of suxamethonium is decreasing. Anesthetists - and not only they - became accustomed to its use. They respect its contraindications, not unimportant side effects, and use it when perceived benefit prevails over possible risks. Available data show that suxamethonium is still used, although the scope of its indications has diminished. Its use is appropriate during crash induction to anesthesia or whenever the need to secure the airways quickly arises, in ENT and dental or maxillofacial surgery, during electroshock therapy, and in managing certain complications of anesthesia. Like with the use of all neuromuscular blocking agents the recovery from its effect should be objectively assessed. It is the key to the safety of its use. Objections that it is unfeasible in depolarizing blocks can not succeed. Appropriate methods are available and needed technical support is commercially available.

Keywords: suxamethonium, depolarizing neuromuscular block, rapid­‑sequence induction, tracheal intubation.

Received: August 22, 2022; Revised: November 30, 2022; Accepted: November 30, 2022; Published: December 20, 2022  Show citation