Comparison of the effects of neostigmine and edrophonium on the duration of action of suxamethonium |
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Authors: | É P McCoy R K Mirakhur |
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Institution: | Department of Anaesthetics, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
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Abstract: | Rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia necessitating the use of suxamethonium may occasionally be needed soon after antagonism of neuromuscular block with anticholinesterase agents. The onset and duration of action of 1 mg kg-1 of suxamethonium was recorded in groups of 10 patients each, 5 or 10 min after the administration of edrophonium 1 mg kg-1 or neostigmine 40 μg kg-1 given for the antagonism of atracurium-induced neuromuscular block. Plasma cholinesterase activity was measured before, and 5 and 10 min after the administration of the anticholinesterases. A further 10 patients received suxamethonium 1 mg kg-1 without prior atracurium or anticholinesterase administration to serve as controls. The onset of action of suxamethonium was significantly prolonged when administered 5 min after both anticholinesterases, compared to the control group ( P <0.01). Recovery of suxamethonium block was delayed significantly after neostigmine, compared to both the edrophonium and the control groups ( P <0.05–0.001). Plasma cholinesterase activity was significantly reduced with the use of neostigmine but not with edrophonium ( P <0.001). |
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Keywords: | Antagonists neostigmine edrophonium enzymes plasma cholinesterase neuromuscular relaxants succinylcholine atracurium |
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