Comparison of intramuscular and intravenous succinylcholine on intraocular pressure.

The effect of succinylcholine on intraocular pressure was determined in one group of patients who received the drug intravenously, compared with a similar group receiving the drug intramuscularly. The group receiving intravenous succinylcholine showed a significantly earlier rise in pressure and a significantly higher rise in pressure compared to the group receiving the drug intramuscularly. In both groups the pressure returned to normal within five minutes. It is suggested that in cases with a ruptured globe or wound leak in which succinylcholine is used to facilitate tracheal intubation, the drug should be administered intramuscularly.