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About Dr Alan Galbraith
Expertise
I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.

Experience
I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.

Organizations
Institute of Biology, London.

Publications
Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 4th Edition published in November 2003 by Pearson Education, Australia.

Education/Credentials
BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;MIBiol; Cert Biol; HECert

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > suxamethonium

Topic: Pharmacy

Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith
Date: 4/12/2008
Subject: suxamethonium

Question
why has suxamethonium a short duration of action of around 2-3 minutes in most patients? (5 marks) please be scientific.

Answer
Dear Mahria

Quite simple. This drug is metabolised by the enzyme pseudocholinesterase, naturally present in the bloodstream at a fast rate. Persons deficient in this enzyme show a marked increase in duration (ie skeletal muscle paralysis) of this neuromuscular blocking agent.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

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