Histamine release may occur following the administration of curare and frequently presents as a red weal in the line of the vein which has been used for the injection. Problems associated with this reaction are very rare. Placental transfer is not a feature of curare and the drug may be safely used in obstetrics. In renal failure the drug is excreted effectively by the biliary route provided large or repeated doses are avoided. Curare does not need to be refrigerated.
Blood pressure is usually unaltered unless bradycardia was previously present.
Histamine release is very rare. Supplementary doses are usually 20 mg. Gallamine does not require refrigeration. It is slightly shorter acting than curare. After an i.v. dose there is frequently a slight fall in blood pressure due to vasodilation secondary to a degree of sympathetic blockade.