An experimental study of the action of suxamethonium on the circulatory system.

The cardiovascular actions of suxamethonium were studied in spinal cat preparations, and in cats with intact central nervous systems anaesthetized with a thiopentone, nitrous-oxide and oxygen sequence. Mechanical artificial ventilation of the lungs was maintained throughout. Intra-arterial pressure, standard limb lead electrocardiograms and respiratory movements were recorded. Under these conditions suxamethonium was shown to have nicotine-like and muscarine-like activity. It is suggested that suxamethonium produces similar effeas in other animals and in man.