Neuromuscular blocking drugs
Neuromuscular blocking drugs are mainly in surgery as an adjunct to anaesthetic agents. They cause muscle paralysis which is necessary prerequisite for mechanical ventilation.
Types of neuromuscular blocking drugs
Types of neuromuscular blocking drugs
| Depolarizing | Non-depolarizing | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors resulting in persistent depolarization of the motor end plate | Competitive antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors |
| Examples | Succinylcholine (also known as suxamethonium) | Tubcurarine, atracurium, vecuronium, pancuronium |
| Adverse effects | Malignant hyperthermia Hyperkalaemia (normally transient) | Hypotension |
| Reversal | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. neostigmine) |