Definition

The sodium salt form of sugammadex, a biologically inert, selective relaxant binding agent (SRBA) composed of a modified, anionic gamma cyclodextrin derivative containing a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic core, with neuromuscular blocking drug (NMBD) reversal activity. Upon administration, the negatively charged carboxyl-thio-ether groups of sugammadex selectively and reversibly bind to the positively charged quaternary nitrogen of a steroidal NMBD, such as rocuronium and vecuronium, which was administered at an earlier time for anesthetic purposes. The encapsulation of the NMBD by sugammadex blocks its ability to bind to nicotinic receptors in the neuromuscular junction and thereby reverses the NMBD-induced neuromuscular blockade.