Sugammadex at a glance
Medicine class
Selective relaxant binding agent
Usual role
Reverses neuromuscular blockade caused by rocuronium or vecuronium in adults
Administration
Given into a vein by or under the supervision of an anaesthetist
Contraception
It can temporarily reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception
What is Sugammadex used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected product include:
Reversal of rocuronium- or vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in adults.
Routine reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade from birth to 17 years.
How does Sugammadex work?
Sugammadex surrounds and binds rocuronium or vecuronium in the bloodstream. This reduces the amount acting at nerve–muscle junctions, allowing muscle activity to return.
Sugammadex preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 mg/mL
How to take Sugammadex
Sugammadex is not taken at home. An anaesthetist gives it into a vein and monitors muscle recovery, breathing and circulation.
Tell the anaesthetist about allergies, kidney or liver problems, breathing conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, medicines and contraception.
Follow the hospital’s advice if you use hormonal contraception.
Sugammadex side effects
Common or expected effects
- Cough
- Airway or anaesthetic complications during recovery
- Low blood pressure associated with the procedure
- Other procedure-related complications
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, swelling, rash, faintness or shock
- Marked slowing of the heartbeat, rarely progressing to cardiac arrest
- Return of muscle weakness or inadequate breathing after initial recovery
- Bronchospasm, particularly with a history of lung complications
Sugammadex in pregnancy
Human pregnancy evidence is limited. Sugammadex should be used cautiously when its clinical benefit justifies exposure. Discuss pregnancy with the anaesthetist before surgery whenever possible.
Sugammadex while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether sugammadex enters human milk. Infant absorption is expected to be low, but the treating team should consider the benefits of breastfeeding and the mother’s clinical need.
Sugammadex interactions
Tell the anaesthetist about all medicines and hormonal contraception. Important interactions include:
Hormonal contraceptives
Effectiveness may be temporarily reduced. Follow the contraceptive leaflet and hospital advice about additional contraception.
Toremifene
May delay recovery by displacing rocuronium or vecuronium from the sugammadex complex.
Intravenous fusidic acid
Pre-operative use may delay recovery from neuromuscular blockade.
Common questions about Sugammadex
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is Sugammadex an anaesthetic?
No. It reverses muscle relaxation caused by rocuronium or vecuronium.
Can Sugammadex reverse suxamethonium?
No. It should not be used to reverse non-steroidal neuromuscular blockers such as suxamethonium.
Why is breathing monitored afterwards?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.