Anagrelide hydrochloride and Succinylcholine Chloride

• Generic Name: anagrelide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Agrylin

Reduction of elevated platelet counts and associated risk of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events in patients with thrombocythemia secondary to essential thrombocythemia (ET) and other myeloproliferative disorders. Has been designated an orphan drug by FDA for the treatment of ET.

Management of ET generally based on a risk-stratification approach. Treatment with a cytoreductive agent (e.g., anagrelide, hydroxyurea) usually reserved for patients at high risk (i.e., age >60 years, previous history of thrombosis, and/or platelet count ≥1,500,000/mm3) of developing thromboembolic and/or hemorrhagic complications. Some clinicians also recommend cytoreductive therapy in intermediate-risk ET patients (e.g., 40–60 years of age, platelet count >1,000,000/mm3, and cardiovascular risk factor [smoking, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes mellitus] or familial thrombophilia).

Hydroxyurea (often combined with low-dose aspirin) generally considered drug of choice in high-risk patients with ET because of proven efficacy and infrequent acute toxicity. However, because of potential leukemogenic effects with hydroxyurea when used long term or sequentially with other cytotoxic drugs, anagrelide or interferon alfa suggested as alternative therapy in high-risk patients, particularly younger patients (<40–60 years of age), and in those who do not respond to or cannot tolerate hydroxyurea. Consider cautious use of low-dose aspirin concomitantly with anagrelide based on relative risks of thrombosis and arterial hemorrhage in individual patients. (See Specific Drugs or Foods under Interactions.)

• Generic Name: succinylcholine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Anectine, Quelicin

Production of skeletal muscle relaxation during procedures of short duration (e.g., endotracheal intubation) after general anesthesia has been induced; neuromuscular blocking agent of choice for procedures lasting <3 minutes.

Facilitation of endotracheal intubation; because of its rapid onset and short duration of action, generally considered neuromuscular blocking agent of choice in emergency situations when rapid intubation (e.g., rapid sequence intubation) is required.

Also used to facilitate mechanical ventilation; however, not used for prolonged neuromuscular blockade in the ICU.

Because of serious adverse effects, restrict use in pediatric population. (See Boxed Warning.)