EFFECT OF PRE-TREATMENT WITH LYSINE ACETYL SALICYLATE ON SUXAMETHONIUM-INDUCED MYALGIA

The hypothesis that prostaglandin inhibitors might reduce the incidence and severity of suxamethonium-induced myalgia was investigated using lysine acetyl salicylate (LAS) 13 mg kg −1 i.v. 3 min before the administration of suxamethonium in 20 patients. A comparison was made with atracurium 0.09 mg kg −1 (and placebo) in a double-blind prospective randomized trial. LAS and atracurium were effective in reducing the incidence and severity of post-suxamethonium myalgia and the increases in serum potassium concentration. There were no appreciable changes in serum calcium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, magnesium, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase concentrations or plasmacholinesterase activity. Atracurium caused a delay in the onset of action and a decrease in the intensity of suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block. It is concluded that LAS pretreatment might have a place in suitable patients in the prevention of suxamethonium-induced myalgia and increases in serum potassium concentration.