Comparative effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants on succinycholine-induced fasciculations and postoperative pain

The effectiveness of pancuronium (1.0 to 1.5 mg), d-tubocurarine (3 mg), and gallamine (20 mg) administered three minutes before succinylcholine (1 mg/kg) in preventing muscle fasciculations and postoperative muscle pains was compared in 100 patients. Pretreatment with pancuronium abolished fasciculations and produced rapid and excellent muscle relaxation for endotracheal intubation. Both d-tubocurarine (dTc) and gallamine administered prior to succinylcholine (SCh) were inconsistent in prevention fasciculations. Muscle relaxation was significantly delayed in onset, shorter in duration, and was inadequate for intubation in the majority of patients. The 45% incidence of postoperative muscle pains in the control group decreased after pretreatment with gallamine, dTc, and pancuronium to 20%, 15%, and less than 5%, respectively. It was concluded from the present study that pancuronium is superior to dTc and gallamine for preventing SCh-induced fasciculations and postoperative muscle pains without compromising the muscle relaxation for intubation. However, pancuronium administered for pretreatment may significantly prolong the action of succinylcholine and caution is to be exercised in patients having short surgical procedures and when additional doses of muscle relaxants may be required.