This site is intended for US health care professionals.
01. Foundational / Icons / 32x32px/Menu @1x Open Menu 01. Foundational / Icons / 32x32px/Close @1x Close Menu

Mechanism of Action (MoA) for BRIDION® (sugammadex)

BRIDION works differently than neostigmine by directly encapsulating, binding, and thus inactivating rocuronium or vecuronium.1-3

After intravenous injection, BRIDION distributes through the plasma and binds to the neuromuscular blocking agents rocuronium or vecuronium to form a complex.3 BRIDION does not affect the release or breakdown of acetylcholine.2

  • The reduction of free rocuronium available in the blood plasma creates a concentration gradient with the neuromuscular junction.2
  • As a result, there is a shift of rocuronium into the plasma, where it is encapsulated by BRIDION.2
  • This process reduces the amount of neuromuscular blocking agent available to bind to nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the neuromuscular junction, resulting in the reversal of neuromuscular blockade.
  • The process is similar for vecuronium.
  • The elimination half-life of BRIDION for adults with normal renal function is approximately 2 hours, with over 90% excreted within 24 hours, primarily in urine.

Abbreviations

  • NMB = neuromuscular blockade
  • NMBA = neuromuscular blocking agent
  • NMJ = neuromuscular junction

References

  1. Claudius C, Fuchs-Buder T. Neuromuscular monitoring. In: Gropper MA, ed. Miller’s Anesthesia. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020:1354-1372.
  2. Bom A, Hope F, Rutherford S, et al. Preclinical pharmacology of sugammadex. J Crit Care. 2009;24(1):29-35.
  3. Gijsenbergh F, Ramael S, Houwing N, et al. First human exposure of Org 25969, a novel agent to reverse the action of rocuronium bromide. Anesthesiology. 2005;103(4):695-703. 
  4. Bom A, Bradley M, Cameron K, et al. A novel concept of reversing neuromuscular block: chemical encapsulation of rocuronium bromide by a cyclodextrin-based synthetic host. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2002;41(2):266-270.

Back to top

Indication

BRIDION is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide in adult and pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

Selected Safety Information

  • BRIDION is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sugammadex or any of its components. Hypersensitivity reactions that occurred varied from isolated skin reactions to serious systemic reactions (i.e., anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock) and have occurred in patients with no prior exposure to sugammadex.
  • Potentially serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients treated with BRIDION. In a clinical study, anaphylaxis occurred in 0.3% (n=1/299) of healthy volunteers treated with BRIDION. The most common hypersensitivity adverse reactions reported were nausea, pruritus and urticaria and showed a dose response relationship, occurring more frequently in the 16 mg/kg group compared to the 4 mg/kg and placebo groups. Observe patients for an appropriate period of time after administration and take the necessary precautions. Anaphylaxis has also been reported in the post-marketing setting. Clinical features in anaphylaxis reports have included dermatologic symptoms; hypotension often requiring the use of vasopressors; and prolonged hospitalization and/or the use of additional respiratory support until full recovery.
  • Cases of marked bradycardia, some of which have resulted in cardiac arrest, have been observed within minutes after the administration of BRIDION. Monitor for hemodynamic changes and treat with anticholinergic agents, such as atropine, if clinically significant bradycardia is observed.
  • Ventilatory support is mandatory for patients until adequate spontaneous respiration is restored and the ability to maintain a patent airway is assured. Should neuromuscular blockade persist after BRIDION or recur following extubation, take appropriate steps to provide adequate ventilation.
  • In clinical trials, a small number of patients experienced a delayed or minimal response to BRIDION. Monitor ventilation until recovery occurs.
  • A minimum waiting time is necessary before re-administration of a steroidal neuromuscular blocking agent after administration of BRIDION.

 

Re-administration of Rocuronium or Vecuronium after Reversal (up to 4 mg/kg BRIDION)

Minimum Waiting Time NMBA and Dose to be Administered
5 minutes 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium
4 hours 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium or 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium

If neuromuscular blockade is required before the recommended waiting time has elapsed, use a nonsteroidal neuromuscular blocking agent.
 

  • Due to the administration of BRIDION, certain drugs, including hormonal contraceptives, could become less effective due to a lowering of the (free) plasma concentrations. Consider re-administration of the other drug, administration of a therapeutic equivalent drug, and/or non-pharmacological interventions as appropriate. If an oral contraceptive is taken on the same day that BRIDION is administered, the patient must use an additional, non-hormonal contraceptive method or back-up method of contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) for the next 7 days. In the case of non-oral hormonal contraceptives, the patient must use an additional, non-hormonal contraceptive method or back-up method of contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) for the next 7 days.
  • Recurrence of neuromuscular blockade may occur due to displacement of rocuronium or vecuronium from BRIDION by other drugs. Mechanical ventilation may be required. Stop the administration of the drug which caused displacement, if being administered by infusion.
  • The use of lower than recommended doses of BRIDION may lead to an increased risk of recurrence of neuromuscular blockade and is not recommended. Also, when drugs which potentiate neuromuscular blockade are used in the post-operative phase, recurrence of neuromuscular blockade is possible.
  • BRIDION doses of up to 16 mg/kg were associated with increases in activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio. Carefully monitor coagulation parameters in patients with known coagulopathies; being treated with therapeutic anticoagulation; receiving thromboprophylaxis drugs other than heparin and low molecular weight heparin; or receiving thromboprophylaxis drugs and who then receive a dose of 16 mg/kg sugammadex.
  • BRIDION is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment, including those requiring dialysis.
  • BRIDION has not been studied for reversal following rocuronium or vecuronium administration in the ICU.
  • Do not use BRIDION to reverse nonsteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents or steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents other than rocuronium or vecuronium.
  • The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 10% of adult patients at a 2, 4, or 16 mg/kg BRIDION dose and higher than placebo rate) were vomiting (11%, 12%, or 15% versus placebo at 10%), pain (48%, 52%, or 36% versus placebo at 38%), nausea (23%, 26%, or 23% versus placebo at 23%), hypotension (4%, 5%, or 13% versus placebo at 4%), and headache (7%, 5%, or 10% versus placebo at 8%). The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 10% of pediatric patients 2 to <17 years of age at BRIDION doses of 2 or 4 mg/kg) were pain (65% and 61%), vomiting (14% and 13%), and nausea (10% and 11%). The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 10% of pediatric patients birth to < 2 years of age at BRIDION doses of 2 or 4 mg/kg) was procedural pain (40.9% and 58%).

 

Before administering BRIDION® (sugammadex), please read the Prescribing Information.

Indication

BRIDION is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide in adult and pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

BRIDION is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade

BRIDION is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide in adult and pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

Selected Safety Information

  • BRIDION is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sugammadex or any of its components. Hypersensitivity reactions that occurred varied from isolated skin reactions to serious systemic reactions (i.e., anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock) and have occurred in patients with no prior exposure to sugammadex.
  • Potentially serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients treated with BRIDION. In a clinical study, anaphylaxis occurred in 0.3% (n=1/299) of healthy volunteers treated with BRIDION. The most common hypersensitivity adverse reactions reported were nausea, pruritus and urticaria and showed a dose response relationship, occurring more frequently in the 16 mg/kg group compared to the 4 mg/kg and placebo groups. Observe patients for an appropriate period of time after administration and take the necessary precautions. Anaphylaxis has also been reported in the post-marketing setting. Clinical features in anaphylaxis reports have included dermatologic symptoms; hypotension often requiring the use of vasopressors; and prolonged hospitalization and/or the use of additional respiratory support until full recovery.
  • Cases of marked bradycardia, some of which have resulted in cardiac arrest, have been observed within minutes after the administration of BRIDION. Monitor for hemodynamic changes and treat with anticholinergic agents, such as atropine, if clinically significant bradycardia is observed.
  • Ventilatory support is mandatory for patients until adequate spontaneous respiration is restored and the ability to maintain a patent airway is assured. Should neuromuscular blockade persist after BRIDION or recur following extubation, take appropriate steps to provide adequate ventilation.
  • In clinical trials, a small number of patients experienced a delayed or minimal response to BRIDION. Monitor ventilation until recovery occurs.
  • A minimum waiting time is necessary before re-administration of a steroidal neuromuscular blocking agent after administration of BRIDION.

 

Re-administration of Rocuronium or Vecuronium after Reversal (up to 4 mg/kg BRIDION)

Minimum Waiting Time NMBA and Dose to be Administered
5 minutes 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium
4 hours 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium or 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium

If neuromuscular blockade is required before the recommended waiting time has elapsed, use a nonsteroidal neuromuscular blocking agent.
 

  • Due to the administration of BRIDION, certain drugs, including hormonal contraceptives, could become less effective due to a lowering of the (free) plasma concentrations. Consider re-administration of the other drug, administration of a therapeutic equivalent drug, and/or non-pharmacological interventions as appropriate. If an oral contraceptive is taken on the same day that BRIDION is administered, the patient must use an additional, non-hormonal contraceptive method or back-up method of contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) for the next 7 days. In the case of non-oral hormonal contraceptives, the patient must use an additional, non-hormonal contraceptive method or back-up method of contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) for the next 7 days.
  • Recurrence of neuromuscular blockade may occur due to displacement of rocuronium or vecuronium from BRIDION by other drugs. Mechanical ventilation may be required. Stop the administration of the drug which caused displacement, if being administered by infusion.
  • The use of lower than recommended doses of BRIDION may lead to an increased risk of recurrence of neuromuscular blockade and is not recommended. Also, when drugs which potentiate neuromuscular blockade are used in the post-operative phase, recurrence of neuromuscular blockade is possible.
  • BRIDION doses of up to 16 mg/kg were associated with increases in activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio. Carefully monitor coagulation parameters in patients with known coagulopathies; being treated with therapeutic anticoagulation; receiving thromboprophylaxis drugs other than heparin and low molecular weight heparin; or receiving thromboprophylaxis drugs and who then receive a dose of 16 mg/kg sugammadex.
  • BRIDION is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment, including those requiring dialysis.
  • BRIDION has not been studied for reversal following rocuronium or vecuronium administration in the ICU.
  • Do not use BRIDION to reverse nonsteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents or steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents other than rocuronium or vecuronium.
  • The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 10% of adult patients at a 2, 4, or 16 mg/kg BRIDION dose and higher than placebo rate) were vomiting (11%, 12%, or 15% versus placebo at 10%), pain (48%, 52%, or 36% versus placebo at 38%), nausea (23%, 26%, or 23% versus placebo at 23%), hypotension (4%, 5%, or 13% versus placebo at 4%), and headache (7%, 5%, or 10% versus placebo at 8%). The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 10% of pediatric patients 2 to <17 years of age at BRIDION doses of 2 or 4 mg/kg) were pain (65% and 61%), vomiting (14% and 13%), and nausea (10% and 11%). The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 10% of pediatric patients birth to < 2 years of age at BRIDION doses of 2 or 4 mg/kg) was procedural pain (40.9% and 58%).

 

Before administering BRIDION® (sugammadex), please read the Prescribing Information.

  • BRIDION is contraindicated in patients with known
  • BRIDION is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sugammadex or any of its components. Hypersensitivity reactions that occurred varied from isolated skin reactions to serious systemic reactions (i.e., anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock) and have occurred in patients with no prior exposure to sugammadex.