Decamethonium

General information

Decamethonium, a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, is little used nowadays. A dose of 3 mg provides adequate relaxation for intra-abdominal surgery for about 15 minutes, supplements being required at intervals of 10–30 minutes. It is not as rapid in onset of action as suxamethonium. It is not hydrolysed by plasma cholinesterase, but is eliminated by the kidneys [ ].

Tachyphylaxis occurs and a phase II block develops readily [ ]. In high doses, muscarinic actions can be seen and histamine release can occur.

Organs and systems