Sugammadex: revolution in anesthesiology

Abstract

Sugammadex: revolution in anesthesiology • Sugammadex is the first clinical representative of a new class of drugs that has revolutionized anesthesiology. Selectively binds non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, thus reversing their effects. Due to its binding to rocuronium in a ratio of 1:1 it is able to reverse any depth of the neuromuscular block. To date, it has been approved for use in adult patients and children aged 2 years. Since the approval in Europe, Japan, and Australia, further information is available on its use in different patient populations and diseases. Due to the pharmacodynamic profile, sugammadex in combination with rocuronium can potentially replace succinylcholine as the "golden standard" of muscle relaxant for the rapid induction of anesthesia. The use of rocuronium, with the possibility of reversing its action with sugammadex, appears to be safe in patients with neuromuscular disorders, e.g., myasthenia gravis.