REVMADEX 500 mg/5 ml
Sugammadex
What it does
Sugammadex is a medication used to reverse the effects of certain muscle relaxants used during surgery.
Commonly used for: reversal of muscle relaxation during surgery, to help patients wake up after anesthesia
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:29:52 · updated 2026-09-16 04:01:14
Drug Interactions
6Unknown (6)
Combined Hormonal Contraceptives - decreases exposure
Sugammadex is predicted to decrease the exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives. Refer to patient information leaflet for missed pill advice.
Desogestrel - decreases exposure
Sugammadex is predicted to decrease the exposure to desogestrel. Refer to patient information leaflet for missed pill advice.
Etonogestrel - decreases efficacy
Sugammadex is predicted to decrease the efficacy of etonogestrel. Use additional contraceptive precautions.
Levonorgestrel - decreases exposure
Sugammadex is predicted to decrease the exposure to levonorgestrel. Use additional contraceptive precautions.
Medroxy Progesterone - decreases exposure
Sugammadex is predicted to decrease the exposure to medroxyprogesterone. Use additional contraceptive precautions. Theoretical Mefenamic acid → see NSAIDs Mefloquine → see antimalarials Meglitinides..
Norethisterone - decreases exposure
Sugammadex is predicted to decrease the exposure to norethisterone. Use additional contraceptive precautions.
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Sugammadex is a medication used to reverse the effects of certain muscle relaxants used during surgery.
What it treats
- reversal of muscle relaxation during surgery
- to help patients wake up after anesthesia
How it works
It works by binding to the muscle relaxants in the body, allowing normal muscle function to return.
Who it's for
Sugammadex is for adults who have undergone surgery and need help recovering from anesthesia.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Sugammadex
BNF-referencedSugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin used primarily as an antidote for the rapid reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by steroidal neuromuscular blockers such as rocuronium and vecuronium. It is particularly valuable in clinical settings requiring immediate recovery from paralysis, such as during surgical procedures. Sugammadex binds to these neuromuscular blocking agents, facilitating their removal from the neuromuscular junction and promoting quicker recovery of muscle function.
Indications
- Routine reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium
- Immediate reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by vecuronium
Dosage
Adults: For adults, the recommended dosage is 16 mg/kg administered intravenously
Mechanism of action
Sugammadex forms very tight, water-soluble complexes with steroidal neuromuscular blocking drugs at a 1:1 ratio, with a higher affinity for rocuronium compared to vecuronium and pancuronium. This complexation creates a concentration gradient that drives the movement of the neuromuscular blocker from the neuromuscular junction into the plasma, effectively reversing the blockade. The bound neuromuscular blockers in the plasma are then tightly held by sugammadex, enhancing the diffusion of remaining molecules from the neuromuscular junction.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effect of sugammadex is characterized by its ability to provide rapid reversal of neuromuscular blockade. By sequestering neuromuscular blocking agents, sugammadex allows for rapid recovery of neuromuscular function, which is critical in managing patients post-surgery or in emergency scenarios. Its effectiveness is particularly noted in cases where rapid recovery is desired, thus allowing for earlier patient mobilization and reduced risk of postoperative complications.
Pharmacokinetics
Sugammadex is administered intravenously and exhibits rapid onset of action. It is eliminated primarily through the kidneys, with a clearance that is dependent on renal function. The half-life of sugammadex ranges from 1 to 2 hours in healthy individuals, but it may be prolonged in patients with renal impairment. This necessitates careful consideration of dosing in patients with reduced kidney function. As sugammadex binds tightly to neuromuscular blockers, its pharmacokinetics are closely tied to the pharmacodynamics of the drugs it neutralizes.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to sugammadex or any of its excipients
- Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min)
Adverse effects
- Abdominal pain
- Arrhythmias
- Bradycardia
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Nausea
- Procedural complications
- Skin reactions
- Taste alterations
- Vomiting
- Bronchospasm
Interactions
- Sugammadex may decrease the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives including desogestrel, etonogestrel, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, norethisterone
- Combined hormonal contraceptives may have reduced exposure when used with sugammadex
Precautions
- Should only be administered by, or under the direct supervision of, personnel experienced in its use
- Monitor respiratory function until fully recovered post-administration
- Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease as recovery may be delayed
- Pre-existing coagulation disorders
Pregnancy
Use with caution due to lack of comprehensive safety information.
Breast-feeding
It is not known if sugammadex is excreted in human milk; exercise caution.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Sugammadex 100 mg/ml solution for injection (Bridion)
- Sugammadex 500 mg/5 ml solution for injection
- Sugammadex 200 mg/2 ml solution for injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Sugammadex
PubChem CID 6918585Molecular formula: C72H112O48S8
Mechanism of action
Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin which forms very tight water soluble complexes at a 1:1 ratio with steroidal neuromuscular blocking drugs (rocuronium > vecuronium >> pancuronium). Sugammadex creates a concentration gradient which favors movement of rocurionium from the neuromuscular junction into the plasma, which quickly reverses rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. The free rocuronium in the plasma are then bound tightly to sugammadex, assisting the diffusion of the remaining rocuronium molecules out of the neuromuscular junction and increasing bound and free rocuronium in the plasma.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.