Bridion

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ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bridion 100 mg/mL solution for injection

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

1 mL contains sugammadex sodium equivalent to 100 mg sugammadex.
Each vial of 2 mL contains sugammadex sodium equivalent to 200 mg sugammadex.
Each vial of 5 mL contains sugammadex sodium equivalent to 500 mg sugammadex.

Excipient(s) with known effect
Contains up to 9.7 mg/mL sodium (see section 4.4).

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Solution for injection (injection).
Clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution.
The pH is between 7 and 8 and osmolality is between 300 and 500 mOsm/kg.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium or vecuronium in adults.

For the paediatric population: sugammadex is only recommended for routine reversal of rocuronium 
induced blockade in children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Sugammadex should only be administered by, or under the supervision of an anaesthetist. 
The use of an appropriate neuromuscular monitoring technique is recommended to monitor the 
recovery of neuromuscular blockade (see section 4.4). 
The recommended dose of sugammadex depends on the level of neuromuscular blockade to be 
reversed.
The recommended dose does not depend on the anaesthetic regimen.
Sugammadex can be used to reverse different levels of rocuronium or vecuronium induced 
neuromuscular blockade:

Adults

Routine reversal:
A dose of 4 mg/kg sugammadex is recommended if recovery has reached at least 1-2 post-tetanic 
counts (PTC) following rocuronium or vecuronium induced blockade. Median time to recovery of the 
T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 is around 3 minutes (see section 5.1).
A dose of 2 mg/kg sugammadex is recommended, if spontaneous recovery has occurred up to at least 
the reappearance of T2 following rocuronium or vecuronium induced blockade. Median time to 
recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 is around 2 minutes (see section 5.1).

 



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Using the recommended doses for routine reversal will result in a slightly faster median time to 
recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 of rocuronium when compared to vecuronium induced 
neuromuscular blockade (see section 5.1).

Immediate reversal of rocuronium-induced blockade:
If there is a clinical need for immediate reversal following administration of rocuronium a dose of 
16 mg/kg sugammadex is recommended. When 16 mg/kg sugammadex is administered 3 minutes after 
a bolus dose of 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium bromide, a median time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 of 
approximately 1.5 minutes can be expected (see section 5.1).
There is no data to recommend the use of sugammadex for immediate reversal following vecuronium 
induced blockade.

Re-administration of sugammadex:
In the exceptional situation of recurrence of neuromuscular blockade post-operatively (see section 4.4) 
after an initial dose of 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg sugammadex, a repeat dose of 4 mg/kg sugammadex is 
recommended. Following a second dose of sugammadex, the patient should be closely monitored to 
ascertain sustained return of neuromuscular function.

Re-administration of rocuronium or vecuronium after sugammadex: 
For waiting times for re-administration of rocuronium or vecuronium after reversal with sugammadex, 
see section 4.4. 

Additional information on special population

Renal impairment:
The use of sugammadex in patients with severe renal impairment (including patients requiring dialysis 
(CrCl < 30 mL/min)) is not recommended (see section 4.4).
Studies in patients with severe renal impairment do not provide sufficient safety information to 
support the use of sugammadex in these patients (see also section 5.1).
For mild and moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≥ 30 and < 80 mL/min): the dose 
recommendations are the same as for adults without renal impairment.

Elderly patients:
After administration of sugammadex at reappearance of T2 following a rocuronium induced blockade, 
the median time to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 in adults (18-64 years) was 2.2 minutes, in elderly 
adults (65-74 years) it was 2.6 minutes and in very elderly adults (75 years or more) it was 
3.6 minutes. Even though the recovery times in elderly tend to be slower, the same dose 
recommendation as for adults should be followed (see section 4.4).

Obese patients:
In obese patients, including morbidly obese patients (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2), the dose of 
sugammadex should be based on actual body weight. The same dose recommendations as for adults 
should be followed.

Hepatic impairment:
Studies in patients with hepatic impairment have not been conducted. Caution should be exercised
when considering the use of sugammadex in patients with severe hepatic impairment or when hepatic 
impairment is accompanied by coagulopathy (see section 4.4).
For mild to moderate hepatic impairment: as sugammadex is mainly excreted renally no dose
adjustments are required.

Paediatric population

The data for the paediatric population are limited (one study only for reversal of rocuronium induced 
blockade at reappearance of T2).

 



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Children and adolescents:
For routine reversal of rocuronium induced blockade at reappearance of T2 in children and 
adolescents (2-17 years) 2 mg/kg sugammadex is recommended. 
Bridion 100 mg/mL may be diluted to 10 mg/mL to increase the accuracy of dosing in the paediatric 
population (see section 6.6).
Other routine reversal situations have not been investigated and are therefore not recommended until 
further data become available.

Immediate reversal in children and adolescents has not been investigated and is therefore not 
recommended until further data become available.

Term newborn infants and infants:
There is only limited experience with the use of sugammadex in infants (30 days to 2 years), and term 
newborn infants (less than 30 days) have not been studied. The use of sugammadex in term newborn 
infants and infants is therefore not recommended until further data become available.

Method of administration

Sugammadex should be administered intravenously as a single bolus injection. The bolus injection 
should be given rapidly, within 10 seconds, into an existing intravenous line (see section 6.6). 
Sugammadex has only been administered as a single bolus injection in clinical trials.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

As is normal post-anaesthetic practice following neuromuscular blockade, it is recommended to 
monitor the patient in the immediate post-operative period for untoward events including recurrence of 
neuromuscular blockade.

Monitoring respiratory function during recovery:
Ventilatory support is mandatory for patients until adequate spontaneous respiration is restored 
following reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Even if recovery from neuromuscular blockade is 
complete, other medicinal products used in the peri- and post-operative period could depress 
respiratory function and therefore ventilatory support might still be required.
Should neuromuscular blockade reoccur following extubation, adequate ventilation should be
provided.

Recurrence of neuromuscular blockade:
In clinical studies with subjects treated with rocuronium or vecuronium, where sugammadex was
administered using a dose labelled for the depth of neuromuscular blockade, an incidence of 0.20% 
was observed for recurrence of neuromuscular blockade as based on neuromuscular monitoring or 
clinical evidence. The use of lower than recommended doses may lead to an increased risk of 
recurrence of neuromuscular blockade after initial reversal and is not recommended (see section 4.2
and section 4.8).

Effect on haemostasis:
In a study in volunteers doses of 4 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg of sugammadex resulted in maximum mean 
prolongations of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) by 17 and 22% respectively and 
prothrombin time international normalized ratio [PT(INR)] by 11 and 22% respectively. These limited 
mean aPTT and PT(INR) prolongations were of short duration (≤ 30 minutes). Based on the clinical 
data-base (N=3,519) and on a specific study in 1184 patients undergoing hip fracture/major joint 
replacement surgery there was no clinically relevant effect of sugammadex 4 mg/kg alone or in 
combination with anticoagulants on the incidence of peri- or post-operative bleeding complications.

 



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In in vitro experiments a pharmacodynamic interaction (aPTT and PT prolongation) was noted with 
vitamin K antagonists, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparinoids, rivaroxaban and 
dabigatran. In patients receiving routine post-operative prophylactic anticoagulation this 
pharmacodynamic interaction is not clinically relevant. Caution should be exercised when considering 
the use of sugammadex in patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation for a pre-existing or co-
morbid condition.

An increased risk of bleeding cannot be excluded in patients:
 with hereditary vitamin K dependent clotting factor deficiencies; 
 with pre-existing coagulopathies; 
 on coumarin derivates and at an INR above 3.5; 
 using anticoagulants who receive a dose of 16 mg/kg sugammadex. 
If there is a medical need to give sugammadex to these patients the anaesthesiologist needs to decide if 
the benefits outweigh the possible risk of bleeding complications taking into consideration the patients 
history of bleeding episodes and type of surgery scheduled. If sugammadex is administered to these 
patients monitoring of haemostasis and coagulation parameters is recommended.

Waiting times for re-administration with neuromuscular blocking agents after reversal with 
sugammadex:

Table 1: Re-administration of rocuronium or vecuronium after routine reversal (up to 4 mg/kg 
sugammadex):

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

The onset of neuromuscular blockade may be prolonged up to approximately 4 minutes, and the 
duration of neuromuscular blockade may be shortened up to approximately 15 minutes after re-
administration of rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg within 30 minutes after sugammadex administration.

Based on PK modelling the recommended waiting time in patients with mild or moderate renal 
impairment for re-use of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium or 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium after routine reversal with 
sugammadex should be 24 hours. If a shorter waiting time is required, the rocuronium dose for a new 
neuromuscular blockade should be 1.2 mg/kg.

Re-administration of rocuronium or vecuronium after immediate reversal (16 mg/kg sugammadex):
For the very rare cases where this might be required, a waiting time of 24 hours is suggested.

If neuromuscular blockade is required before the recommended waiting time has passed, a
nonsteroidal neuromuscular blocking agent should be used. The onset of a depolarizing 
neuromuscular blocking agent might be slower than expected, because a substantial fraction of 
postjunctional nicotinic receptors can still be occupied by the neuromuscular blocking agent.

Renal impairment:
Sugammadex is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment, including those 
requiring dialysis (see section 5.1).

Light anaesthesia:
When neuromuscular blockade was reversed intentionally in the middle of anaesthesia in clinical 
trials, signs of light anaesthesia were noted occasionally (movement, coughing, grimacing and 
suckling of the tracheal tube).
If neuromuscular blockade is reversed, while anaesthesia is continued, additional doses of anaesthetic 
and/or opioid should be given as clinically indicated.

 



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Marked bradycardia:
In rare instances, marked bradycardia has been observed within minutes after the administration of 
sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Bradycardia may occasionally lead to cardiac 
arrest. (See section 4.8.) Patients should be closely monitored for hemodynamic changes during and 
after reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Treatment with anti-cholinergic agents such as atropine 
should be administered if clinically significant bradycardia is observed.

Hepatic impairment:
Sugammadex is not metabolised nor excreted by the liver; therefore dedicated studies in patients with 
hepatic impairment have not been conducted. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should be 
treated with great caution. In case hepatic impairment is accompanied by coagulopathy see the 
information on the effect on haemostasis.

Use in Intensive Care Unit (ICU):
Sugammadex has not been investigated in patients receiving rocuronium or vecuronium in the ICU 
setting.

Use for reversal of neuromuscular blocking agents other than rocuronium or vecuronium:
Sugammadex should not be used to reverse block induced by nonsteroidal neuromuscular blocking 
agents such as succinylcholine or benzylisoquinolinium compounds.
Sugammadex should not be used for reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by steroidal
neuromuscular blocking agents other than rocuronium or vecuronium, since there are no efficacy and 
safety data for these situations. Limited data are available for reversal of pancuronium induced
blockade, but it is advised not to use sugammadex in this situation.

Delayed recovery:
Conditions associated with prolonged circulation time such as cardiovascular disease, old age (see 
section 4.2 for the time to recovery in elderly), or oedematous state (e.g., severe hepatic impairment) 
may be associated with longer recovery times.

Drug hypersensitivity reactions:
Clinicians should be prepared for the possibility of drug hypersensitivity reactions (including 
anaphylactic reactions) and take the necessary precautions (see section 4.8).

Sodium:
This medicinal product contains up to 9.7 mg sodium per mL, equivalent to 0.5 % of the WHO 
recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The information in this section is based on binding affinity between sugammadex and other medicinal 
products, non-clinical experiments, clinical studies and simulations using a model taking into account 
the pharmacodynamic effect of neuromuscular blocking agents and the pharmacokinetic interaction 
between neuromuscular blocking agents and sugammadex. Based on these data, no clinically 
significant pharmacodynamic interaction with other medicinal products is expected, with exception of 
the following:
For toremifene and fusidic acid displacement interactions could not be excluded (no clinically relevant 
capturing interactions are expected).
For hormonal contraceptives a clinically relevant capturing interaction could not be excluded (no 
displacement interactions are expected).

Interactions potentially affecting the efficacy of sugammadex (displacement interactions):
Due to the administration of certain medicinal products after sugammadex, theoretically rocuronium 
or vecuronium could be displaced from sugammadex. As a result recurrence of neuromuscular 
blockade might be observed. In this situation the patient must be ventilated. Administration of the 
medicinal product which caused displacement should be stopped in case of an infusion. In situations 
when potential displacement interactions can be anticipated, patients should be carefully monitored for 

 



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signs of recurrence of neuromuscular blockade (approximately up to 15 minutes) after parenteral 
administration of another medicinal product occurring within a period of 7.5 hours after sugammadex 
administration.

Toremifene:
For toremifene, which has a relatively high binding affinity for sugammadex and for which relatively 
high plasma concentrations might be present, some displacement of vecuronium or rocuronium from 
the complex with sugammadex could occur. Clinicians should be aware that the recovery of the T4/T1
ratio to 0.9 could therefore be delayed in patients who have received toremifene on the same day of 
the operation.

Intravenous administration of fusidic acid:
The use of fusidic acid in the pre-operative phase may give some delay in the recovery of the T4/T1
ratio to 0.9. No recurrence of neuromuscular blockade is expected in the post-operative phase, since 
the infusion rate of fusidic acid is over a period of several hours and the blood levels are cumulative 
over 2-3 days. For re-administration of sugammadex see section 4.2.

Interactions potentially affecting the efficacy of other medicinal products (capturing interactions):
Due to the administration of sugammadex, certain medicinal products could become less effective due 
to a lowering of the (free) plasma concentrations. If such a situation is observed, the clinician is 
advised to consider the re-administration of the medicinal product, the administration of a 
therapeutically equivalent medicinal product (preferably from a different chemical class) and/or non-
pharmacological interventions as appropriate.

Hormonal contraceptives:
The interaction between 4 mg/kg sugammadex and a progestogen was predicted to lead to a decrease 
in progestogen exposure (34% of AUC) similar to the decrease seen when a daily dose of an oral 
contraceptive is taken 12 hours too late, which might lead to a reduction in effectiveness. For 
oestrogens, the effect is expected to be lower. Therefore the administration of a bolus dose of 
sugammadex is considered to be equivalent to one missed daily dose of oral contraceptive steroids 
(either combined or progestogen only). If sugammadex is administered at the same day as an oral 
contraceptive is taken reference is made to missed dose advice in the package leaflet of the oral
contraceptive. In the case of non-oral hormonal contraceptives, the patient must use an additional non 
hormonal contraceptive method for the next 7 days and refer to the advice in the package leaflet of the
product.

Interactions due to the lasting effect of rocuronium or vecuronium:
When medicinal products which potentiate neuromuscular blockade are used in the post-operative 
period special attention should be paid to the possibility of recurrence of neuromuscular blockade. 
Please refer to the package leaflet of rocuronium or vecuronium for a list of the specific medicinal 
products which potentiate neuromuscular blockade. In case recurrence of neuromuscular blockade is 
observed, the patient may require mechanical ventilation and re-administration of sugammadex (see 
section 4.2).

Interference with laboratory tests:
In general sugammadex does not interfere with laboratory tests, with the possible exception of the 
serum progesterone assay. Interference with this test is observed at sugammadex plasma 
concentrations of 100 microgram/mL (peak plasma level following 8 mg/kg bolus injection).

In a study in volunteers doses of 4 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg of sugammadex resulted in maximum mean 
prolongations of aPTT by 17 and 22% respectively and of PT(INR) by 11 and 22% respectively. 
These limited mean aPTT and PT(INR) prolongations were of short duration (≤ 30 minutes).
In in vitro experiments a pharmacodynamic interaction (aPTT and PT prolongation) was noted with 
vitamin K antagonists, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparinoids, rivaroxaban and 
dabigatran (see section 4.4).

 



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Paediatric population

No formal interaction studies have been performed. The above mentioned interactions for adults and 
the warnings in section 4.4 should also be taken into account for the paediatric population.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy
For sugammadex no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available.
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, 
embryonic/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development.
Caution should be exercised when administering sugammadex to pregnant women.

Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether sugammadex is excreted in human breast milk. Animal studies have shown 
excretion of sugammadex in breast milk. Oral absorption of cyclodextrins in general is low and no 
effect on the suckling child is anticipated following a single dose to the breast-feeding woman.
A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from 
sugammadex therapy, taking into account the benefit of breast feeding for the child and the benefit of 
therapy for the woman.

Fertility
The effects with sugammadex on human fertility have not been investigated. Animal studies to 
evaluate fertility do not reveal harmful effects.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Bridion has no known influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile
Bridion is administered concomitantly with neuromuscular blocking agents and anaesthetics in 
surgical patients. The causality of adverse events is therefore difficult to assess.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in surgical patients were cough, airway complication 
of anaesthesia, anaesthetic complications, procedural hypotension and procedural complication
(Common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10)). 

 



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Table 2: Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The safety of sugammadex has been evaluated in 3,519 unique subjects across a pooled phase I-III 
safety database. The following adverse reactions were reported in placebo controlled trials where 
subjects received anaesthesia and/or neuromuscular blocking agents (1,078 subject exposures to 
sugammadex versus 544 to placebo):
[Very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare 
(≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000)]

System organ class Frequencies Adverse reactions
(Preferred terms)

Immune system disorders Uncommon Drug hypersensitivity 
reactions (see section 4.4)

Respiratory, thoracic and 
mediastinal disorders

Common Cough

Injury, poisoning and 
procedural 
complications

Common Airway complication of 
anaesthesia

Anaesthetic complication 
(see section 4.4)

Procedural hypotension

Procedural complication

Description of selected adverse reactions
Drug hypersensitivity reactions:
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in some patients and volunteers (for 
information on volunteers, see Information on healthy volunteers below). In clinical trials of surgical 
patients these reactions were reported uncommonly and for post-marketing reports the frequency is 
unknown.
These reactions 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.
Symptoms associated with these reactions can include: flushing, urticaria, erythematous rash, (severe) 
hypotension, tachycardia, swelling of tongue, swelling of pharynx, bronchospasm and pulmonary 
obstructive events. Severe hypersensitivity reactions can be fatal.

Airway complication of anaesthesia:
Airway complications of anaesthesia included bucking against the endotracheal tube, coughing, mild 
bucking, arousal reaction during surgery, coughing during the anaesthetic procedure or during surgery, 
or anaesthetic procedure-related spontaneous breath of patient.

Anaesthetic complication:
Anaesthetic complications, indicative of the restoration of neuromuscular function, include movement
of a limb or the body or coughing during the anaesthetic procedure or during surgery, grimacing, or 
suckling on the endotracheal tube. See section 4.4 light anaesthesia.

Procedural complication:
Procedural complications included coughing, tachycardia, bradycardia, movement, and increase in 
heart rate.

Marked bradycardia:
In post-marketing, isolated cases of marked bradycardia and bradycardia with cardiac arrest have been
observed within minutes after administration of sugammadex (see section 4.4).

Recurrence of neuromuscular blockade:
In clinical studies with subjects treated with rocuronium or vecuronium, where sugammadex was 
administered using a dose labelled for the depth of neuromuscular blockade (N=2,022), an incidence 

 



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of 0.20% was observed for recurrence of neuromuscular blockade as based on neuromuscular 
monitoring or clinical evidence (see section 4.4).

Information on healthy volunteers:
A randomised, double-blind study examined the incidence of drug hypersensitivity reactions in 
healthy volunteers given up to 3 doses of placebo (N=76), sugammadex 4 mg/kg (N=151) or 
sugammadex 16 mg/kg (N=148). Reports of suspected hypersensitivity were adjudicated by a blinded 
committee. The incidence of adjudicated hypersensitivity was 1.3%, 6.6% and 9.5% in the placebo, 
sugammadex 4 mg/kg and sugammadex 16 mg/kg groups, respectively. There were no reports of 
anaphylaxis after placebo or sugammadex 4 mg/kg. There was a single case of adjudicated 
anaphylaxis after the first dose of sugammadex 16 mg/kg (incidence 0.7%). There was no evidence of 
increased frequency or severity of hypersensitivity with repeat dosing of sugammadex.
In a previous study of similar design, there were three adjudicated cases of anaphylaxis, all after 
sugammadex 16 mg/kg (incidence 2.0%).
In the Pooled Phase 1 database, AEs considered common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) or very common (≥ 1/10)
and more frequent among subjects treated with sugammadex than in the placebo group, include 
dysgeusia (10.1%), headache (6.7%), nausea (5.6%), urticaria (1.7%), pruritus (1.7%), dizziness 
(1.6%), vomiting (1.2%) and abdominal pain (1.0%).

Additional information on special populations

Pulmonary patients:
In post-marketing data and in one dedicated clinical trial in patients with a history of pulmonary 
complications, bronchospasm was reported as a possibly related adverse event. As with all patients 
with a history of pulmonary complications the physician should be aware of the possible occurrence of 
bronchospasm.

Paediatric population

A limited database suggests that the safety profile of sugammadex (up to 4 mg/kg) in paediatric 
patients was similar to that in adults.

Morbidly obese patients

In one dedicated clinical trial in morbidly obese patients, the adverse reaction profile was generally 
similar to the profile in adult patients in pooled Phase 1 to 3 studies (see Table 2).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

In clinical studies, 1 case of an accidental overdose with 40 mg/kg was reported without any 
significant adverse reactions. In a human tolerance study sugammadex was administered in doses up 
to 96 mg/kg. No dose related adverse events nor serious adverse events were reported. 
Sugammadex can be removed using haemodialysis with a high flux filter, but not with a low flux 
filter. Based upon clinical studies, sugammadex concentrations in plasma are reduced by up to 70%
after a 3 to 6-hour dialysis session.

 

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5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: all other therapeutic products, antidotes, ATC code: V03AB35

Mechanism of action:
Sugammadex is a modified gamma cyclodextrin which is a Selective Relaxant Binding Agent. It 
forms a complex with the neuromuscular blocking agents rocuronium or vecuronium in plasma and 
thereby reduces the amount of neuromuscular blocking agent available to bind to nicotinic receptors in 
the neuromuscular junction. This results in the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by 
rocuronium or vecuronium.

Pharmacodynamic effects:
Sugammadex has been administered in doses ranging from 0.5 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg in dose response 
studies of rocuronium induced blockade (0.6, 0.9, 1.0 and 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium bromide with and 
without maintenance doses) and vecuronium induced blockade (0.1 mg/kg vecuronium bromide with 
or without maintenance doses) at different time points/depths of blockade. In these studies a clear 
dose-response relationship was observed.

Clinical efficacy and safety:
Sugammadex can be administered at several time points after administration of rocuronium or 
vecuronium bromide:

Routine reversal – deep neuromuscular blockade:
In a pivotal study patients were randomly assigned to the rocuronium or vecuronium group. After the 
last dose of rocuronium or vecuronium, at 1-2 PTCs, 4 mg/kg sugammadex or 70 mcg/kg neostigmine 
was administered in a randomised order. The time from start of administration of sugammadex or 
neostigmine to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was:

Table 3: Time (minutes) from administration of sugammadex or neostigmine at deep 
neuromuscular blockade (1-2 PTCs) after rocuronium or vecuronium to recovery of the T4/T1
ratio to 0.9
Neuromuscular blocking agent Treatment regimen

Sugammadex (4 mg/kg) Neostigmine (70 mcg/kg)

Rocuronium

N 37 37

Median (minutes) 2.7 49.0

Range 1.2-16.1 13.3-145.7

Vecuronium

N 47 36

Median (minutes) 3.3 49.9

Range 1.4-68.4 46.0-312.7

Routine reversal – moderate neuromuscular blockade:
In another pivotal study patients were randomly assigned to the rocuronium or vecuronium group. 
After the last dose of rocuronium or vecuronium, at the reappearance of T2, 2 mg/kg sugammadex or 
50 mcg/kg neostigmine was administered in a randomised order. The time from start of administration 
of sugammadex or neostigmine to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9 was:

 



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Table 4: Time (minutes) from administration of sugammadex or neostigmine at reappearance of 
T2 after rocuronium or vecuronium to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9
Neuromuscular blocking agent Treatment regimen

Sugammadex (2 mg/kg) Neostigmine (50 mcg/kg)

Rocuronium

N 48 48

Median (minutes) 1.4 17.6

Range 0.9-5.4 3.7-106.9

Vecuronium

N 48 45

Median (minutes) 2.1 18.9

Range 1.2-64.2 2.9-76.2

Reversal by sugammadex of the neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium was compared to the 
reversal by neostigmine of the neuromuscular blockade induced by cis-atracurium. At the 
reappearance of T2 a dose of 2 mg/kg sugammadex or 50 mcg/kg neostigmine was administered. 
Sugammadex provided faster reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium compared to 
neostigmine reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by cis-atracurium:

Table 5: Time (minutes) from administration of sugammadex or neostigmine at reappearance of 
T2 after rocuronium or cis-atracurium to recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9
Neuromuscular blocking agent Treatment regimen

Rocuronium and sugammadex 
(2 mg/kg)

Cis-atracurium and neostigmine 
(50 mcg/kg)

N 34 39

Median (minutes) 1.9 7.2

Range 0.7-6.4 4.2-28.2

For immediate reversal:
The time to recovery from succinylcholine-induced neuromuscular blockade (1 mg/kg) was compared 
with sugammadex (16 mg/kg, 3 minutes later) – induced recovery from rocuronium-induced 
neuromuscular blockade (1.2 mg/kg).

Table 6: Time (minutes) from administration of rocuronium and sugammadex or 
succinylcholine to recovery of the T1 10 %
Neuromuscular blocking agent Treatment regimen

Rocuronium and sugammadex 
(16 mg/kg)

Succinylcholine (1 mg/kg)

N 55 55
Median (minutes) 4.2 7.1
Range 3.5-7.7 3.7-10.5

In a pooled analysis the following recovery times for 16 mg/kg sugammadex after 1.2 mg/kg 
rocuronium bromide were reported:

Table 7: Time (minutes) from administration of sugammadex at 3 minutes after rocuronium to 
recovery of the T4/T1 ratio to 0.9, 0.8 or 0.7

T4/T1 to 0.9 T4/T1 to 0.8 T4/T1 to 0.7
N 65 65 65
Median 
(minutes)

1.5 1.3 1.1

Range 0.5-14.3 0.5-6.2 0.5-3.3

 



13

Renal impairment:
Two open label studies compared the efficacy and safety of sugammadex in surgical patients with and 
without severe renal impairment. In one study, sugammadex was administered following rocuronium 
induced blockade at 1-2 PTCs (4 mg/kg; N=68); in the other study, sugammadex was administered at 
reappearance of T2 (2 mg/kg; N=30). Recovery from blockade was modestly longer for patients with 
severe renal impairment relative to patients without renal impairment. No residual neuromuscular 
blockade or recurrence of neuromuscular blockade was reported for patients with severe renal 
impairment in these studies.

Morbidly obese patients:
A trial of 188 patients who were diagnosed as morbidly obese investigated the time to recovery from 
moderate or deep neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium or vecuronium. Patients received 
2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg sugammadex, as appropriate for level of block, dosed according to either actual 
body weight or ideal body weight in random, double-blinded fashion. Pooled across depth of block 
and neuromuscular blocking agent, the median time to recover to a train-of-four (TOF) ratio ≥ 0.9 in
patients dosed by actual body weight (1.8 minutes) was statistically significantly faster (p < 0.0001) 
compared to patients dosed by ideal body weight (3.3 minutes).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The sugammadex pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the total sum of non-complex-
bound and complex-bound concentrations of sugammadex. Pharmacokinetic parameters as clearance 
and volume of distribution are assumed to be the same for non-complex-bound and complex-bound 
sugammadex in anaesthetised subjects.

Distribution:
The observed steady-state volume of distribution of sugammadex is approximately 11 to 14 litres in 
adult patients with normal renal function (based on conventional, non-compartmental pharmacokinetic 
analysis). Neither sugammadex nor the complex of sugammadex and rocuronium binds to plasma 
proteins or erythrocytes, as was shown in vitro using male human plasma and whole blood. 
Sugammadex exhibits linear kinetics in the dosage range of 1 to 16 mg/kg when administered as an IV 
bolus dose.

Metabolism:
In preclinical and clinical studies no metabolites of sugammadex have been observed and only renal 
excretion of the unchanged product was observed as the route of elimination.

Elimination:
In adult anaesthetized patients with normal renal function the elimination half-life (t1/2) of 
sugammadex is about 2 hours and the estimated plasma clearance is about 88 mL/min. A mass balance 
study demonstrated that > 90% of the dose was excreted within 24 hours. 96% of the dose was 
excreted in urine, of which at least 95% could be attributed to unchanged sugammadex. Excretion via 
faeces or expired air was less than 0.02% of the dose. Administration of sugammadex to healthy 
volunteers resulted in increased renal elimination of rocuronium in complex.

Special populations:

Renal impairment and age:
In a pharmacokinetic study comparing patients with severe renal impairment to patients with normal 
renal function, sugammadex levels in plasma were similar during the first hour after dosing, and 
thereafter the levels decreased faster in the control group. Total exposure to sugammadex was 
prolonged, leading to 17-fold higher exposure in patients with severe renal impairment. Low 
concentrations of sugammadex are detectable for at least 48 hours post-dose in patients with severe 
renal insufficiency.
In a second study comparing subjects with moderate or severe renal impairment to subjects with 
normal renal function, sugammadex clearance progressively decreased and t1/2 was progressively 
prolonged with declining renal function. Exposure was 2-fold and 5-fold higher in subjects with 

 



14

moderate and severe renal impairment, respectively. Sugammadex concentrations were no longer 
detectable beyond 7 days post-dose in subjects with severe renal insufficiency.

Table 8: A summary of sugammadex pharmacokinetic parameters stratified by age and renal 
function is presented below:

Selected patient characteristics Mean Predicted PK parameters (CV%)

Demographics Renal function 
Creatinine clearance 

(mL/min)

Clearance 
(mL/min)

Volume of 
distribution at 

steady state (L)

Elimination 
half-life (hr)

Adult Normal 100 88 (22) 12 2 (21)

40 yrs Impaired Mild 50 51 (22) 13 4 (22)

75 kg Moderate 30 31 (23) 14 6 (23)

Severe 10 9 (22) 14 19 (24)

Elderly Normal 80 75 (23) 12 2 (21)

75 yrs Impaired Mild 50 51 (24) 13 3 (22)

75 kg Moderate 30 31 (23) 14 6 (23)

Severe 10 9 (22) 14 19 (23)

Adolescent Normal 95 77 (23) 9 2 (22)

15 yrs Impaired Mild 48 44 (23) 10 3 (22)

56 kg Moderate 29 27 (22) 10 5 (23)

Severe 10 8 (21) 11 17 (23)

Child Normal 51 37 (22) 4 2 (20)

7 yrs Impaired Mild 26 19 (22) 4 3 (22)

23 kg Moderate 15 11 (22) 4 5 (22)

Severe 5 3 (22) 5 20 (25)
CV=coefficient of variation

Gender:
No gender differences were observed.

Race:
In a study in healthy Japanese and Caucasian subjects no clinically relevant differences in 
pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. Limited data does not indicate differences in 
pharmacokinetic parameters in Black or African Americans.

Body weight:
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of adult and elderly patients showed no clinically relevant 
relationship of clearance and volume of distribution with body weight.

Obesity:
In one clinical study in morbidly obese patients, sugammadex 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg was dosed 
according to actual body weight (n=76) or ideal body weight (n=74). Sugammadex exposure increased 
in a dose-dependent, linear manner following administration according to actual body weight or ideal 
body weight. No clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters were observed between 
morbidly obese patients and the general population.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Preclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity potential, and toxicity to reproduction, local 
tolerance or compatibility with blood.

 



15

Sugammadex is rapidly cleared in preclinical species, although residual sugammadex was observed in 
bone and teeth of juvenile rats. Preclinical studies in young adult and mature rats demonstrate that 
sugammadex does not adversely affect tooth colour or bone quality, bone structure, or bone 
metabolism. Sugammadex has no effects on fracture repair and remodelling of bone.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Hydrochloric acid 3.7% (to adjust pH) and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH)
Water for injections

6.2 Incompatibilities

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in 
section 6.6. 
Physical incompatibility has been reported with verapamil, ondansetron and ranitidine.

6.3 Shelf life

3 years

After first opening and dilution chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 
48 hours at 2°C to 25°C. From a microbiological point of view, the diluted product should be used 
immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the 
responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C, unless 
dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store below 30°C. 
Do not freeze. 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
For storage conditions of the diluted medicinal product, see section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

2 mL or 5 mL of solution in type I glass vial closed with chlorobutyl rubber stoppers with aluminium 
crimp-cap and flip-off seal.
Pack sizes: 10 vials of 2 mL or 10 vials of 5 mL.
Not all pack-sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Bridion can be injected into the intravenous line of a running infusion with the following intravenous 
solutions: sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%), glucose 50 mg/mL (5%), sodium chloride 4.5 mg/mL
(0.45%) and glucose 25 mg/mL (2.5%), Ringers lactate solution, Ringers solution, glucose 50 mg/mL
(5%) in sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%).

The infusion line should be adequately flushed (e.g., with 0.9% sodium chloride) between 
administration of Bridion and other drugs.

Use in the paediatric population
For paediatric patients Bridion can be diluted using sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) to a 
concentration of 10 mg/mL (see section 6.3).

 



16

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
The Netherlands

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/08/466/001
EU/1/08/466/002

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

Date of first authorisation: 25 July 2008
Date of latest renewal: 21 June 2013

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.

 



17

ANNEX II

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 
AND USE

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 
THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT

 



18

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release

N.V. Organon
Kloosterstraat 6 
P.O. Box 20
NL-5340 BH Oss
The Netherlands

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2).

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

 Periodic safety update reports (PSURs)

The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of Union 
reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and any 
subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT  

 Risk management plan (RMP)

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities 
and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the marketing authorisation 
and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP.

An updated RMP should be submitted
 At the request of the European Medicines Agency;
 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.

 



19

ANNEX III

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET

 



20

A. LABELLING

 



21

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING

OUTER CARTON, 10 x 5 mL vials

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bridion 100 mg/mL solution for injection
sugammadex

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

1 mL contains 100 mg sugammadex (as sugammadex sodium).
Each vial of 5 mL contains 500 mg sugammadex (as sugammadex sodium).
500 mg/5 mL

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Other ingredients: hydrochloric acid 3.7% and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), water for 
injections.
See leaflet for further information.

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Solution for injection
10 vials
500 mg/5 mL

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Intravenous use
For single use only.
Read the package leaflet before use.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 
OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
After first opening and dilution, store at 2-8°C and use within 24 hours.

 



22

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store below 30°C. Do not freeze. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

Discard any unused solution.

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
The Netherlands

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

EU/1/08/466/002

13. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC {number}
SN {number}
NN {number}

 



23

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

VIAL LABEL, 10 x 5 mL vials

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Bridion 100 mg/mL injection
sugammadex
IV

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

500 mg/5 mL

6. OTHER

 



24

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING

OUTER CARTON, 10 x 2 mL vials

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Bridion 100 mg/mL solution for injection
sugammadex

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

1 mL contains 100 mg sugammadex (as sugammadex sodium).
Each vial of 2 mL contains 200 mg sugammadex (as sugammadex sodium).
200 mg/2 mL

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Other ingredients: hydrochloric acid 3.7% and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), water for 
injections.
See leaflet for further information.

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Solution for injection
10 vials
200 mg/2 mL

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Intravenous use
For single use only
Read the package leaflet before use.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT
OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
After first opening and dilution, store at 2-8°C and use within 24 hours.

 



25

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store below 30°C. Do not freeze. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

Discard any unused solution.

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
The Netherlands

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

EU/1/08/466/001

13. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC {number}
SN {number}
NN {number}

 



26

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

VIAL LABEL, 10 x 2 mL vials

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Bridion 100 mg/mL injection
sugammadex
IV

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

200 mg/2 mL

6. OTHER

 



27

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET

 



28

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Bridion 100 mg/mL solution for injection
sugammadex

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you are given this medicine because it contains important 
information for you.
 Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
 If you have further questions, ask your anaesthetist or doctor.
 If you get any side effects, talk to your anaesthetist or other doctor. This includes any possible

side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet

1. What Bridion is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before Bridion is given
3. How Bridion is given
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Bridion
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Bridion is and what it is used for

What Bridion is
Bridion contains the active substance sugammadex. Bridion is considered to be a Selective Relaxant 
Binding Agent since it only works with specific muscle relaxants, rocuronium bromide or vecuronium 
bromide.

What Bridion is used for
When you have some types of operations, your muscles must be completely relaxed. This makes it 
easier for the surgeon to do the operation. For this, the general anaesthetic you are given includes 
medicines to make your muscles relax. These are called muscle relaxants, and examples include 
rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide. Because these medicines also make your breathing
muscles relax, you need help to breathe (artificial ventilation) during and after your operation until you 
can breathe on your own again.
Bridion is used to speed up the recovery of your muscles after an operation to allow you to breathe on 
your own again earlier. It does this by combining with the rocuronium bromide or vecuronium 
bromide in your body. It can be used in adults whenever rocuronium bromide or vecuronium bromide
is used and in children and adolescents (aged 2 to 17 years) when rocuronium bromide is used for a 
moderate level of relaxation.

2. What you need to know before Bridion is given

You should not be given Bridion
 if you are allergic to sugammadex or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6).
→ Tell your anaesthetist if this applies to you.

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your anaesthetist before Bridion is given
 if you have kidney disease or had in the past. This is important as Bridion is removed from your

body by the kidneys.
 if you have liver disease or have had it in the past.
 if you have fluid retention (oedema).

 



29

 if you have diseases which are known to give an increased risk of bleeding (disturbances of 
blood clotting) or anticoagulation medication.

Children and adolescents
This medicine is not recommended for infants less than 2 years of age.

Other medicines and Bridion
→ Tell your anaesthetist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. 
Bridion may affect other medicines or be affected by them.

Some medicines reduce the effect of Bridion
→ It is especially important that you tell your anaesthetist if you have recently taken:
 toremifene (used to treat breast cancer).
 fusidic acid (an antibiotic).

Bridion can affect hormonal contraceptives
 Bridion can make hormonal contraceptives - including the ‘Pill’, vaginal ring, implants or a 

hormonal IntraUterine System (IUS) - less effective because it reduces how much you get of the 
progestogen hormone. The amount of progestogen lost by using Bridion is about the same as 
missing one oral contraceptive Pill.

→ If you are taking the Pill on the same day as Bridion is given to you, follow the 
instructions for a missed dose in the Pill’s package leaflet.
→ If you are using other hormonal contraceptives (for example a vaginal ring, implant or 
IUS) you should use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method (such as a 
condom) for the next 7 days and follow the advice in the package leaflet.

Effects on blood tests
In general, Bridion does not have an effect on laboratory tests. However, it may affect the results of a 
blood test for a hormone called progesterone. Talk to your doctor if your progesterone levels need to 
be tested on the same day you receive Bridion.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
→ Tell your anaesthetist if you are pregnant or might be pregnant or if you are breast-feeding.
You may still be given Bridion, but you need to discuss it first.
It is not known whether sugammadex can pass into breast milk. Your anaesthetist will help you decide 
whether to stop breast-feeding, or whether to abstain from sugammadex therapy, considering the 
benefit of breast-feeding to the baby and the benefit of Bridion to the mother.

Driving and using machines
Bridion has no known influence on your ability to drive and use machines.

Bridion contains sodium
This medicine contains up to 9.7 mg sodium (main component of cooking / table salt) in each mL. 
This is equivalent to 0.5 % of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.

3. How Bridion is given

Bridion will be given to you by your anaesthetist, or under the care of your anaesthetist.

The dose
Your anaesthetist will work out the dose of Bridion you need based on:
 your weight
 how much the muscle relaxant medicine is still affecting you.
The usual dose is 2-4 mg per kg body weight. A dose of 16 mg/kg can be used in adults if urgent 
recovery from muscle relaxation is needed.

 



30

The dose of Bridion for children is 2 mg/kg (children and adolescents between 2-17 years old).

How Bridion is given
Bridion will be given to you by your anaesthetist. It is given as a single injection through an 
intravenous line.

If more Bridion is given to you than recommended
As your anaesthetist will be monitoring your condition carefully, it is unlikely that you will be given 
too much Bridion. But even if this happens, it is unlikely to cause any problems.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your anaesthetist or other doctor.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If these side effects occur while you are under anaesthesia, they will be seen and treated by your 
anaesthetist.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
 Cough
 Airway difficulties that may include coughing or moving as if you are waking or taking a breath
 Light anaesthesia - you may start to come out of deep sleep, so need more anaesthesia. This 

might cause you to move or cough at the end of the operation
 Complications during your procedure such as changes in heart rate, coughing or moving
 Decreased blood pressure due to the surgical procedure

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
 Shortness of breath due to muscle cramps of the airways (bronchospasm) occurred in patients 

with a history of lung problems
 Allergic (drug hypersensitivity) reactions - such as a rash, red skin, swelling of your tongue 

and/or throat, shortness of breath, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, sometimes resulting 
in a serious decrease of blood pressure. Severe allergic or allergic-like reactions can be life 
threatening.
Allergic reactions were reported more commonly in healthy, conscious volunteers

 Return of muscle relaxation after the operation

Frequency not known
 Severe slowing of the heart and slowing of the heart up to cardiac arrest may occur when 

Bridion is administered

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your anaesthetist or other doctor. This includes any possible side 
effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting 
system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the 
safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Bridion

Storage will be handled by healthcare professionals.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the label after 
‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


31

Store below 30°C. Do not freeze. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

After first opening and dilution, store at 2 to 8°C and use within 24 hours.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Bridion contains
- The active substance is sugammadex.

1 mL solution for injection contains sugammadex sodium equivalent to 100 mg sugammadex.
Each vial of 2 mL contains sugammadex sodium equivalent to 200 mg sugammadex.
Each vial of 5 mL contains sugammadex sodium equivalent to 500 mg sugammadex.

- The other ingredients are water for injections, hydrochloric acid 3.7% and/or sodium hydroxide.

What Bridion looks like and contents of the pack
Bridion is a clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution for injection.
It comes in two different pack sizes, containing either 10 vials with 2 mL or 10 vials with 5 mL
solution for injection.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
The Netherlands

Manufacturer
N.V. Organon, Kloosterstraat 6, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder:

België/Belgique/Belgien
MSD Belgium BVBA/SPRL
Tel/Tél: +32(0)27766211
dpoc_belux@merck.com

Lietuva
UAB Merck Sharp & Dohme
Tel.: +370 5 278 02 47
msd_lietuva@merck.com

България
Мерк Шарп и Доум България ЕООД
Тел.: +359 2 819 3737
info-msdbg@merck.com

Luxembourg/Luxemburg
MSD Belgium BVBA/SPRL
Tel/Tél: +32(0)27766211
dpoc_belux@merck.com

Česká republika
Merck Sharp & Dohme s.r.o.
Tel.: +420 233 010 111
dpoc_czechslovak@merck.com

Magyarország
MSD Pharma Hungary Kft.
Tel.: +36 1 888 5300
hungary_msd@merck.com

Danmark
MSD Danmark ApS
Tlf: +45 4482 4000 
dkmail@merck.com

Malta
Merck Sharp & Dohme Cyprus Limited
Tel: 8007 4433 (+356 99917558)
malta_info@merck.com

 



32

Deutschland
Grünenthal GmbH
Tel: +49 (0) 241 569 1111
service@grunenthal.com

Nederland 
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Tel.: 0800 9999000 (+31 23 5153153)
medicalinfo.nl@merck.com

Eesti
Merck Sharp & Dohme OÜ
Tel: + 372 6144 200
msdeesti@merck.com

Norge
MSD (Norge) AS
Tlf: +47 32 20 73 00
msdnorge@msd.no

Eλλάδα
MSD Α.Φ.Β.Ε.Ε.
Τηλ: + 30 210 98 97 300
dpoc_greece@merck.com

Österreich
Merck Sharp & Dohme Ges.m.b.H.
Tel: +43 (0) 1 26 044
msd-medizin@merck.com

España
Merck Sharp & Dohme de España, S.A.
Tel: +34 91 321 06 00
msd_info@merck.com

Polska
MSD Polska Sp. z o.o.
Tel.: +48 22 549 51 00
msdpolska@merck.com

France
MSD France
Tél: + 33-(0)1 80 46 40 40

Portugal
Merck Sharp & Dohme, Lda
Tel: + 351 21 446 57 00
inform_pt@merck.com

Hrvatska
Merck Sharp & Dohme d.o.o.
Tel: + 385 1 6611 333
croatia_info@merck.com

România
Merck Sharp & Dohme Romania S.R.L.
Tel: + 40 21 529 29 00
msdromania@merck.com

Ireland
Merck Sharp and Dohme Ireland (Human Health) 
Limited
Tel: +353 (0)1 2998700
medinfo_ireland@merck.com

Slovenija
Merck Sharp & Dohme, inovativna zdravila 
d.o.o. 
Tel: + 386 1 5204201
msd_slovenia@merck.com

Ísland
Vistor hf.
Sími: +354 535 7000

Slovenská republika
Merck Sharp & Dohme, s. r. o.
Tel: +421 2 58282010
dpoc_czechslovak@merck.com

Ιtalia
MSD Italia S.r.l. 
Tel: +39 06 361911
medicalinformation.it@merck.com

Suomi/Finland
MSD Finland Oy
Puh/Tel: +358 (0) 9 804650
info@msd.fi

Κύπρος
Merck Sharp & Dohme Cyprus Limited
Τηλ: 800 00 673 (+357 22866700)
cyprus_info@merck.com

Sverige
Merck Sharp & Dohme (Sweden) AB
Tel: +46 77 5700488
medicinskinfo@merck.com

Latvija
SIA Merck Sharp & Dohme Latvija
Tel: + 371 67 364224
msd_lv@merck.com

United Kingdom
Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited
Tel: + 44 (0) 1992 467272
medicalinformationuk@merck.com

 

mailto:medicalinformation.it@merck.com
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mailto:msdnorge@msd.no


33

This leaflet was last revised in 

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:
For detailed information refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of BRIDION.

 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET