succinylcholine in myasthenia gravis

Q: Patients with myasthenia gravis requires ____________ dose of succinylcholine? (select one)

A) higher

B) lower

Answer: A

Conventionally succinylcholine is not recommended for patients with myasthenia gravis due to the risk of hyperkalemia. Although it is true but described risk is overly exaggerated in literature Overll it can be used safely in patients with myasthenia gravis. These patients are relatively resistant to succinylcholine, and requires the higher dose. The recommended dose is 2 mg/kg.

#procedure

#neurology

#pharmacology

Reference:

1. Levitan R. Safety of succinylcholine in myasthenia gravis. Ann Emerg Med 2005; 45:225.