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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
Effect of ephedrine on the onset time of succinylcholine
S Ganidagli1, M Cengiz, Z Baysal
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Harran University Medical School, Sanliurfa, Turkey. sganidagli@hotmail.com
Background:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ephedrine administered prior to induction of anaesthesia on the onset time of succinylcholine for endotracheal intubation.
Methods:
Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenously (i.v.) either 70 microg kg(-1) of ephedrine (Group I; n = 25) or saline (Group II; n = 25) 3 min before induction of anaesthesia. Induction of anaesthesia was provided with propofol 2 mg kg(-1) plus remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1). Onset time and duration of muscle fasciculation and onset time of succinylcholine were recorded. Intubation was attempted after establishment of 100% thumb relaxation and difficulties were recorded. Heart rate, pulse oxymetry (SpO2) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also recorded.
Results:
The onset time of succinylcholine were significantly (P < 0.001) shorter in Group I (26 +/- 4 s), when compared with Group II (43 +/- 6 s). Patients in Group I were intubated at 49 +/- 7 s compared with 68 +/- 10 s in Group II. The score of intubation was similar in both groups. Duration of muscle fasciculation was longer in Group II. Heart rate and MAP increased significantly (P < 0.05) after ephedrine injection, compared with the baseline value in Group I.
Conclusions:
The onset time of succinylcholine can be shortened with ephedrine pretreatment.
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