Muscle relaxants mnemonic

Adverse effects of succinylcholine

The mnemonic

HAMPS

What each word stands for

  • HHyperkalaemia
  • AArrhythmias, especially bradycardia
  • MMalignant hyperthermia trigger
  • PPressure rise — intraocular, intragastric, intracranial
  • SSoreness (myalgia) after fasciculations

Why it matters clinically

Explains the contraindications in burns, open eye injury and susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.

Where it stops being reliable

Omits prolonged block with cholinesterase deficiency and anaphylaxis.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Muscle relaxants mnemonic?

HAMPS. It helps you recall: Adverse effects of succinylcholine.

What does "H" stand for?

Hyperkalaemia

What does "A" stand for?

Arrhythmias, especially bradycardia

What does "M" stand for?

Malignant hyperthermia trigger

What are all the parts of the HAMPS mnemonic?

H: Hyperkalaemia; A: Arrhythmias, especially bradycardia; M: Malignant hyperthermia trigger; P: Pressure rise — intraocular, intragastric, intracranial; S: Soreness (myalgia) after fasciculations.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Muscle relaxants in Anaesthesia.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Omits prolonged block with cholinesterase deficiency and anaphylaxis.

How is this useful clinically?

Explains the contraindications in burns, open eye injury and susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anaesthesia question about Muscle relaxants.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.