Drugs for Akinesis

Question 1

What are the two types?

Answer 1

Depolarising

Non-depolarising

Question 2

Mechanism of depolarising?

Answer 2

Act similar to acetylcholine on nicotinic receptors but are very slowly hydrolysed by acetylcholinesterase. Therefore, they cause muscle contraction, muscle then fatigues and relaxes.

Question 3

Mechanism of non-depolarising?

Answer 3

Block the nicotinic receptors therefore muscle relaxes.

Question 4

Common depolarising neuromuscular blocker?

Answer 4

Suxamethonium (1.5mg/kg)

Question 5

Positive effects of suxamethonium?

Answer 5

RSI

Question 6

Adverse effects of suxamethonium? (5)

Answer 6

Muscle pains
Fasciculations
Hyperkalaemia 
Malignant hyperthermia 
Rise in ICP & IOP & gastric pressure

Question 7

Rare complication?

Answer 7

Suxamethonium apnoea (1:10,000)

Question 8

Common short acting (15 mins) non-depolarising agents?

Answer 8

Atracurium

Mivacurium

Question 9

Common medium (40 mins) acting non-depolarising agents?

Answer 9

Rocuronium

Vecuronium

Question 10

Common long acting (60 mins) non-depolarising agents?

Answer 10

Pancuronium

Question 11

Positive effects of non-depolarising agents?

Answer 11

Less side effects

Question 12

Negative aspects of non-depolarising agents? (2)

Answer 12

Slow onset & variable duration

Question 13

What muscle relaxant is used for prevention or treatment of malignant hyperthermia?

Answer 13

Dantrolene