The effect of H2 antagonists on duration of action of suxamethonium in the parturient.

Fifteen patients who underwent elective Caesarean section were given sodium citrate, either alone or combined with oral cimetidine or ranitidine, as antacid premedication. No significant differences in time to 25 or 50% recovery of the first twitch of a train-of-four after administration of suxamethonium were found between any of the groups. It is concluded that H2-antagonists do not significantly affect the duration of action of suxamethonium in parturients, in contrast to the findings of a study in nonpregnant patients.