Dose of Succinylcholine during intubation

Q: Dose of Succinylcholine during intubation should be based on? (select one) 

A) Ideal body weight 
B) Total body weight 


 Answer: B 

Succinylcholine is the most commonly used neuro-muscular blocker (NMB) in ICU for intubation. The recommended dose for intubation is 1.5 mg/kg intravenous (IV). It works within 60 seconds, and action lasts for 6 to 10 minutes. This dosage is based on total body weight. This becomes very important for proper intubation condition in obese as well as pregnant patients.


#procedure


References:

1. Naguib M, Samarkandi AH, El-Din ME, et al. The dose of succinylcholine required for excellent endotracheal intubating conditions. Anesth Analg 2006; 102:151. 

2. Lemmens HJ, Brodsky JB. The dose of succinylcholine in morbid obesity. Anesth Analg 2006; 102:438. 

3. Guay J, Grenier Y, Varin F. Clinical pharmacokinetics of neuromuscular relaxants in pregnancy. Clin Pharmacokinet 1998; 34:483.