Anaphylactic reactions to suxamethonium (succinylcholine)

We present the case of a woman who had two severe anaphylactic episodes wit h hypotension and bradycardia in relation to the administration of general anesthesia. In the allergy evaluation, IgE antibodies to suxamethonium, a m uscle relaxant which was used in both procedures, were detected by skin pri ck tests. No cross-reaction was found to other muscle relaxants derived fro m quaternary ammonium. The patient was able to be operated on, and did not present any adverse reactions to the use of local anesthesia or to general anesthesia using pancuronium as a muscle relaxant.