Drugs Acting On PNS Flashcards
Competitive blockers (non depolarising blockers) as neuromuscular blockers
The competitive blockers have affinity for the nicotinic (Nm) cholinergic receptors at the muscle end plate, but have no intrinsic activity.
They exhibit fade phenomenon
Nm receptor structure
It is a protein with 5 subunits (2 α,β,ε,γ,δ) which are arranged like a rosette surrounding the Na+ channel
The two α subunits carry two ACh binding sites (negatively charged) groups which combine with the cationic head of ACh. This triggers opening of Na+ channels.
What happens at high concentrations of curare like drugs
They enter Na+ channels of Nm receptors and directly block them to produce intense noncompetitive neuromuscular block that is only partly reversed by neostigmine.
Actions of non depolarising blockers
1. Skeletal muscle: rapidly produces muscle weakness followed by flaccid paralysis. 2. Autonomic ganglia: some degree of ganglionic blockade 3. Histamine (and heparin) release: hypotension, flushing, bronchospasm and increased respiratory secretion 4. CVS effects 5. GIT
Action of non depolarising blockers in skeletal muscles occurs in the order
- Small fast response muscles (fingers, extraocular) are affected first
- Paralysis spreads to hands, feet- arm, leg, neck, face-trunk-intercostals
- Finally diaphragm, respiration stops
Recovery occurs in the reverse sequence
Effects of competitive/non depolarising blockers in autonomic ganglia
- Some degree of ganglionic blockade
* d-TC has the maximum effect while the newer drugs (vecuronium, etc.) are practically devoid of it
Non depolarising/competitive blockers and histamine
•Histamine (and heparin) release is stimulated
•Hypotension, flushing, bronchospasm and increased respiratory secretion
•Intradermal injection of d-TC produces a wheal similar to that produced by injecting histamine.
(Atracurium and mivacurium have significant histamine releasing potential)
d-Tubocurarine produces significant fall in BP.
- Ganglionic blockade
- Histamine release and
- Reduced venous return:
a result of paralysis of limb and respiratory muscles.
Cardiovascular effects of non depolarising/ competitive blockers
- Heart rate may increase due to vagal ganglionic blockade.
- d-TC produces significant decrease in BP
- Pancuronium tends to cause tachycardia and rise in BP
- atracurium may cause hypotension
- All newer nondepolarizing drugs (vecuronium, rocurorinium, cisatracurium) have negligible effects on BP and HR
Conditions in which dual mechanism of depolarising agents
- In dog, rabbit, rat, monkey
- In slow contracting soleus muscle of cat
- Under certain conditions in man when the depolarizing agents:
injected in high doses
infused continuously
Non depolarising blockers/ competitive blockers and GIT
The ganglion blocking activity of competitive blockers may enhance postoperative paralytic ileus after abdominal operations.
Why is d-Tubocurarine not used
Because of its prominent histamine releasing, ganglion blocking and cardiovascular actions as well as long duration of paralysis needing pharmacological reversal, d-TC is not used now.
Pancuronium properties
- More potent and longer acting than d-TC
- Good CVS stability
- Lower histamine release
- Primarily renal excretion
Rapid IV injection- rise in BP and tachycardia due to vagal blockade and NE release
Pancuronium uses
More potent and longer acting than d-TC and needs reversal
Restricted to prolonged operations, especially neurosurgery
Pipecuronium
- Competitive muscle relaxant with a slow onset and long duration of action
- Recommended for prolonged surgeries.
- It exerts little cardiovascular action, (though transient hypotension and bradycardia can occur)
- Elimination occurs through both kidney and liver