Histamine release from the administration of suxamethonium and atracurium in adolescents

Abstract

Cutaneous reactions and plasma histamine levels were evaluated in 30 adolescents subsequent to the administration of suxamethonium 1.5 mg kg−1 or atracurium 0.6 mg kg−1. Plasma histamine levels were measured by the radio-enzymatic assay using histamine N-methyl transferase. In the atracurium group, the change in plasma histamine level was significant at the 2 min mark, but was not significant in the suxamethonium group. About 60% of the patients in each group developed a cutaneous reaction. Erythematous cutaneous reactions following atracurium were frequently associated with a mild increase in plasma histamine levels, whereas the rashes induced by suxamethonium in adolescents were not associated with changes in plasma histamine.