hexafluronium

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

This is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent. It exerts its action by binding competitively to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the motor endplate of neuromuscular junction. This prevents the binding of acetylcholine and initiates muscular contraction leading to a reversible blocking of neuromuscular transmission.  

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Adverse reactions 

Cramps  

Tremor  

Headache

Black Box Warning

Black box warning 

No specific black box warning is available 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/Caution 

Hypersensitivity 

Myasthenia gravis 

Electrolyte imbalance 

Hepatic impairment 

Renal impairment 

Pregnancy 

Breastfeeding  

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: 

Pregnancy consideration: 

Safety and efficacy about the use of drug in pregnancy is not available 

Breastfeeding warnings: 

Data about the excretion of drug into human milk is not known 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 
• Category D: Adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Hexafluronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent belonging to the class of drugs known as skeletal muscle relaxants. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

This is an antagonist of cholinesterase used to prolong the relaxation effects of succinylcholine, a depolarizing muscle relaxant that mimics acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Succinylcholine is degraded by pseudocholinesterase, a plasma cholinesterase. Cholinesterases catalyze the hydrolysis of acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid, essential for cholinergic neuron resting. There are two types: acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase. A deficiency in pseudocholinesterase leads to pseudocholinesterase deficiency, which is asymptomatic but noticeable during surgery. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Limited data available  

Adminstartion

Administration: 

This should be administered as advised by the medical practitioner  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: hexafluronium 

Why do we use hexafluronium? 

It is used in procedures that require skeletal muscle relaxation or immobilization in orthopedic procedures, abdominal surgery or neurosurgical procedures. This is also used as an adjunct to general anesthesia to induce muscle relaxation during surgery.