sugammadex sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Selective relaxant-binding agent
Main role
Reverses muscle relaxation caused by rocuronium or vecuronium
Administration
Given into a vein by or under the supervision of an anaesthetist
Contraception
Can temporarily reduce the reliability of hormonal contraception
What is sugammadex sodium used for?
UK-licensed uses for the selected product are:
Reversal of rocuronium- or vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in adults.
Routine reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in patients from birth to 17 years.
How does sugammadex sodium work?
Sugammadex is a modified cyclodextrin that surrounds and binds rocuronium or vecuronium in the bloodstream. This reduces the amount available to act at nerve–muscle junctions, allowing muscle activity to recover.
sugammadex sodium preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 mg/mL
How to take sugammadex sodium
Sugammadex is given into an intravenous line by or under the supervision of an anaesthetist. You do not take it yourself. Breathing and recovery from muscle relaxation should be monitored afterwards.
sugammadex sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Cough
- Airway or anaesthetic-related complications during the procedure
- Low blood pressure during the procedure
- Other procedure-related reactions, such as movement or changes in heart rate
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious allergic reaction, including wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, severe low blood pressure or collapse
- Marked slowing of the heart rate, occasionally progressing to cardiac arrest
- Recurrence of muscle weakness, potentially affecting breathing
- Bronchospasm, particularly in people with previous lung complications
sugammadex sodium in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. Animal studies have not shown direct or indirect reproductive harm, but the product information advises caution. Tell the anaesthetist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
sugammadex sodium while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether sugammadex enters human milk. The product information recommends an individual decision that considers the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment. UK anaesthesia guidance considers perioperative use compatible with breastfeeding because milk transfer and infant absorption are expected to be low; tell the anaesthetic team if you are breastfeeding.
sugammadex sodium interactions
The anaesthetic team should review current medicines, including contraception and anticoagulants.
Combined and progestogen-only contraceptive pills
May reduce contraceptive effectiveness; follow the missed-pill instructions supplied with the contraceptive.
Implants, hormonal intrauterine systems, injections, patches and vaginal rings
Use an additional non-hormonal barrier method for the following 7 days because effectiveness may be reduced.
Common questions about sugammadex sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is sugammadex sodium given after an operation?
It reverses certain muscle relaxants used during anaesthesia so muscle function and breathing can recover.
Does it wake you from anaesthesia?
It reverses muscle relaxation but does not itself reverse medicines that keep you unconscious.
Which muscle relaxants can it reverse?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.