Sugammadex: a turning point in our practice

The combination of sugammadex and neostigmine can reduce the dosage of sugammadex during recovery from the moderate neuromuscular blockade

“…Many anesthesiologists agree that sugammadex is a very fascinating agent that has many advantages over anticholinesterase. However the relatively higher cost of sugammadex has been a constraint on its use [ 6 13 14 ]. The approximate costs of drugs are as follows (May 2015 in Korea):…”

“…Sugammadex is a novel agent for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade, which functions by forming complexes in a 1 : 1 ratio with steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. In contrast with anticholinesterases and other classic neuromuscular reversal agents, sugammadex has shown little to no cholinergic side effects and residual muscle relaxation [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ]. Above all, the greatest advantage of sugammadex was ultra-rapid reversal from neuromuscular blockade, regardless of the degree of neuromuscular blockade.…”

“…Above all, the greatest advantage of sugammadex was ultra-rapid reversal from neuromuscular blockade, regardless of the degree of neuromuscular blockade. Thus, sugammadex its clinical use has gained great interest [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ]. However it has yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the USA (US FDA) due to the associated hypersensitivity reaction [ 8 ], and several previous studies have shown that the hypersensitivity reaction occurred more frequently at higher doses [ 9 10 11 12 ].…”

“…However it has yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the USA (US FDA) due to the associated hypersensitivity reaction [ 8 ], and several previous studies have shown that the hypersensitivity reaction occurred more frequently at higher doses [ 9 10 11 12 ]. In addition, given that the price of sugammadex is much more expensive than classic neuromuscular reversal drugs, many anesthesiologists have been reluctant to use sugammadex in the interest of limiting health care spending costs [ 6 13 14 ].…”

Sugammadex: What do we Know and What do we Still Need to Know? A Review of the Recent (2013 to 2014) Literature

“…In fact, Della Rocca et al 4 have warned that, in the context of residual neuromuscular block-related incidents, hospitals are increasingly likely to face questions or complaints if sugammadex was unavailable or not used. Nevertheless, even after ten review articles [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] in the last 18 months, anaesthetists still search to find definite answers to basic questions about the optimal use of sugammadex and its place in their practice.…”