Stability of succinylcholine solutions stored at room temperature studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Emerg Med J. 2007 Mar;24(3):168-9. doi: 10.1136/emj.2006.041053.

Abstract

The effect of storage temperature on the stability of two succinylcholine chloride solutions (20 and 50 mg/ml) was evaluated. Molecular composition was analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At room temperature, the degradation rate constant was 1.2%/month for the 20 mg/ml solution and 2.1%/month for the 50 mg/ml solution. The corresponding monthly degradation rates for the two solutions were 0.18% and 0.30% when stored at 4 degrees C, and 5.4% and 8.1% when stored at 37 degrees C. If a 10% loss of potency is considered acceptable, then the 20 and 50 mg/ml succinylcholine solutions can be stored in emergency resuscitation carts at room temperature for 8.3 and 4.8 months, respectively.

MeSH terms

  • Drug Stability*
  • Drug Storage / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Succinylcholine / chemistry*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents
  • Succinylcholine