title: Differential effects of neuromuscular blocking agents on suxamethonium-induced fasciculations and myalgia.
abstract: The effect of pretreatment with suxamethonium, gallamine or pancuronium on suxamethonium-induced fasciculations and myalgia was studied in a controlled, randomized and double-blind clinical trial. Both fasciculations and myalgia were assessed on a four-point rating scale. There was no significant correlation between fasciculations and postoperative muscle pain at 24, 48 or 72 h, and pretreatment with suxamethonium had no significant effect on fasciculations or myalgia. Gallamine had a more marked effect on fasciculations than pancuronium, and the decrease in the fasciculation score was statistically significant. In contrast, pancuronium had a greater effect on myalgia, and decreased postoperative muscle pain significantly at 24 and 48 h. These differences may reflect the differential activity of gallamine and pancuronium at the neuromuscular junction. Pretreatment had little or no effect on plasma potassium concentrations.
authors.affiliation: Anaesthetic Department, Whiston Hospital, Prescot, Merseyside.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: T N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Calvey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005207:Fasciculation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011292:Premedication; D011897:Random Allocation; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; D013390:Succinylcholine