suxamethonium

decided to give it a page all on its own.
the favourite of traditional anaesthetists because it's fast acting

Uses: the old problematic fav
RSI and laryngospasm - anywhere you want rapid paralysis
Mechanism of action inactivates Na channels on nicotinic receptors
Dose Intubating dose: 1mg/kg - can repeat dose, technically up to 500mg/day?!
Pharmacokinetics Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism plasma cholinesterases
Elimination
Time course of action
Adverse effects fasciculations
increased IOP
hyperkalaemia

and there's also
- apnoea
- Anaphylaxis
Contraindications Hyperkalaemia, severe burns, major trauma
Myopathies, congenital myotonic disease (FHx or personal history)
Personal or FHx malignant hyperthermia
Low plasma cholinesterase activity e.g. liver disease

mechanism of prolonged paralysis

  • resisting cholinesterase activity