The effect of repeated doses of succinylcholine on serum potsssium in patients with renal failure.

The effect of 1 mg/kg of succinylcholine IV in repeated doses on serum potassium (K+) was studied in 11 patients with renal failure. Increases in K+ did not differ from those seen in patients with normal kidney function, the largest increase being 0.6 mEq/L. The authors conclude that succinylcholine administered repeatedly at this dosage is not contraindicated in patients with renal failure.