Hypothermia and the action of neuromuscular blocking agents

tracheal intubation without the use of neuromuscular blocking agents

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

• Neuromuscular blocking agents are used to improve conditions for tracheal intubation, to provide immobility during surgery, and to facilitate mechanical ventilation. • The main site of action of neuromuscular blocking agents (muscle relaxants) is on the nicotinic cholinergic receptor at the endplate of muscle. They also have effects at presynaptic receptors located on the nerve terminal. • Su...

Neuromuscular blocking agents: a review.

The author provides a review of the mechanism of neuromuscular transnission, as well as the Nechanisn of action and differences between curare and succinylcholine. Effects of these two relaxants on various organs and tissues are discussed, as are their onset of action, duration, elimination, and clinical uses. In order to understand how skeletal muscle re-laxants act, the mechanism of neuromusc...

Indications for Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

©International Anesthesia Research Society. Unauthorized Use Prohibited. Almost thirty years ago, residual neuromuscular blockade was documented in a surprisingly high proportion of patients (30%), despite an almost systematic use of anticholinesterase agents.1 Since then, even with the development of shorter-acting neuromuscular blockers, pharmacological reversal, and more widespread use of ne...

Impact of hypothermia on the response to neuromuscular blocking drugs.

Muscle strength is reduced during hypothermia, both in the presence and in the absence of neuromuscular blocking drugs. A 2 degrees C reduction in body temperature may double the duration of neuromuscular blockade. Central body and muscle temperatures decline in parallel, as long as peripheral vasoconstriction does not occur. A reduction in muscle strength must be expected at a body temperature...