MSK Pharmacology 4 & 5 (Skeletal Muscle Relaxants) Flashcards
GOOOAL: To understand how to manage spasticity and spasms in patients with upper and lower motor neuron lesions, respectively.
two classes of skeletal muscle relaxants
neuromuscular blocking drugs and skeletal muscle spasmolytic drugs
uses of neuromuscular blocking drugs
to produce muscle paralysis in order to facilitate surgery or artificial ventilation
purpose of spasmolytic drugs
to reduce abnormally elevated muscle tone (spasticity) without paralysis (e.g. baclofen, dantrolene, etc.)
definition of spasm
sudden, violent, painful, and involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles (i.e. cramps)
involves motor neurons (balance between musculoskeletal movement and body posture)
relation of action potentials to neuromuscular junctions (NMJs)
action potentials by motor neurons are conducted directly to nerve terminals in muscle fibers that form synapses called neuromuscular junctions (NMJs)
______ is released from the nerve terminal, stimulating ______ receptors on the muscle to produce contraction
acetylcholine, nicotinic receptors
spasticity
an increase in the passive stretch resistance of a muscle or muscle group
physical manifestation of spasticity
stiff and awkward movements due to increased muscle tone or contractions
duration of spasticity
permanent condition and may progress to disabling condition without therapy
common causes of spasticity
closed head injuries
cerebral palsy
multiple sclerosis
stroke
mediator of spasm
lower motor neurons (LMNs)
mediator of spasticity
upper motor neurons (UMNs)
typical causes of spasm
bursitis dislocation fracture epilepsy herniated disc hypocalcemia myositis neuritis strains "whiplash" injuries
typical causes of spasticity
cerebrovascular accident closed head injury hemiplegia paraplegia quadriplegia multiple sclerosis poliomyelitis spinal cord trauma
Where do neuromuscular blockers work?
interfere with transmission at the neuromuscular end plate and are NOT centrally acting drugs (e.g. atracurium, pancuronium, gallamine)
Where do spasmolytics work?
they been traditionally called “centrally acting” muscle relaxants but one member, dantrolene is peripherally acting and has no significant central effects (e.g. baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine)
baclofen (Lioresal)
centrally-acting drug used to treat spasticity
botulinum toxin type A (Botox)
centrally-acting drug used to treat spasticity
diazepam (Valium)
centrally-acting drug used to treat spasticity
tizanidine (Zanaflex)
centrally-acting drug used to treat spasticity
dantrolene (Dantrium)
PERIPHERALLY-acting drug used to treat spasticity
How does baclofen work?
acts within the spinal cord to suppress hyperactive relfexes involved in regulation of muscle movement
baclofen is the structural analogue of _____
GABA (mimics the actions of GABA on spinal neurons)
For which receptor is baclofen selective?
GABA B (B for baclofen!)
Dr. Ngu’s take home message about the action of baclofen
acts at the level of the spinal cord to restore inhibiting tone
therapeutic use of baclofen
to reduce spasticity associated with MS, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy
For which two condition is baclofen NOT effective?
stroke and Parkinson’s
therapeutic effect of baclofen
decreases flexor and extensor spasms and suppresses resistance to passive movement (reduction of the discomfort of spasticity and allowing increased performance)
Preferred treatment for patients whose spasticity is associated with significant muscle weakness?
baclofen instead of dantrolene
absorption of baclofen
generally good
time to peak concentration of baclofen
2-3 hrs.
onset of action of baclofen
variable (hours to days)