Anectine Side Effects

Anectine is a medicine that functions as a muscle relaxant during surgery. It is also often given when ventilators are being used. It is administered intravenously. Anectine is classified as a depolarizing muscle relaxant that functions by not allowing the muscles to contract. Anectine makes sure that the muscles do not contract, because the muscles contracting would result in the facial muscles (as well as the muscles needed for moving and breathing) becoming paralyzed. As with any medicine, there are some possible side effects that are occasionally associated with use of anectine.

Common Side Effects

• There are several common side effects that often occur as a result of anectine. These side effects are generally not considered to be cause for alarm, as they typically subside on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if the side effects get worse or do not go away, it might be necessary to seek medical attention. These side effects are muscle ache (following the surgery), twitching of the muscles, and excess saliva.

Serious Side Effects

• Some serious side effects are also possible with use of anectine. In situations of serious side effects, emergency medical attention is vital. These potentially dangerous side effects include breathing becoming slower, rapid breathing, chest pain, tightening of muscles or the jaw, raised body temperature, chest pounding, additional eye pressure, slow or rapid heartbeat, and breathing pauses.

Allergic Reactions

• Allergic reactions are also possible severe side effects of anectine. In cases of allergic reaction, emergency medical attention is absolutely necessary. Some signs of allergic reaction to anectine are swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips and face, skin rash, breaking out into hives, trouble with breathing and chest tightness.

Warning

• There are certain types of persons who should absolutely not consider using anectine. Those individuals include those who are allergic to any of the medicine's ingredients, those who have a family history of malignant hyperthermia (fatal disease that is characterized by raised body temperatures) or muscle-related diseases, and those who have recently suffered from nerve damage, serious burn, trauma or movement injury of the upper body.

Drug Interactions

• Drug interactions are possible when more than one medication or supplement is used at the same time. These interactions could cause negative side effects, or alter the effectiveness of one or more of the medicines/supplements that are involved. Some drugs that could cause interactions with anectine include oxytocin, beta-adrenergic blockers, cyclophosphamide, aminoglycosides, terbutaline, oral contraceptives (such as birth control pills), glucocorticoids, quinidine and lithium.