Neuromuscular blockers Flashcards
Main action of neuromuscular blockers (3)
muscle relaxing:
- decrease of the muscle tone
- temporary paralysis
- complete muscle relaxation w/o effect on the CNS (consciousness is retained)
The neurotransmitter for neuromusclar blockers
Ach release
What does the neurotransmitter for neuromuscular blockers do?
Ach depolarizes the post synaptic membrane
What is in the synaptic gap for neuromuscular blockers?
acetylcholinesterases
-enz that degrades Ach
What are the indications (when do we use) of neuromuscular blockers?(4)
- surgery
- intubation
- diagnositc prodecures
- emergency medicine
What is the action of neuromuscular blockers in the synapse?
- block neuromuscular transmission at neuromuscular junction or motor endplate
- pre & post synaptic
What is the motor endplate? (2)
- synapse between neuron and striated muscle
- nicotinic receptors
What is necessary to use with neuromuscular blockers? why? (3)
- anesthesia
- assisted ventillation
- Because patient will remain in apnea (suspension of breathing) and will be aware of it
Define apnea
suspension of breathing
Mechanism of action for neuromuscular blockers
- inhibit Ach release (ex. botulinum toxin)
2. Acting on Ach receptors (post synaptic)
What neuromuscular blockers inhibit Ach release?
botulinum toxin
What neuromuscular blockers are depolarizing blocking? (3)
- Decamethonium
- suxamethonium: succinylcholine
What neuromuscular blockers are non-depolarizing blocking? (5)
- Pancuronium
- Tubocurarine
- Rocuronium
- Atracurium
- Cisatracurium
What is the mechanism of action for depolarizing neuromuscular blockers? (2)
- depolarizing skeletal fiber membrane
- Persistent depolarization = muscle fiber resistant to more Ach stimulation
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents produce: (3 steps)
fasciculation (brief spontaneous contraction) –> blocking –> flaccid paralysis
Define fasciculation (2)
- brief spontaneous contraction affecting a small number of muscle fibres.
- causes a flicker of movement under the skin.
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents have a ____ onset of action and ______ disappearance of the effect
Rapid & rapid
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents onset of action is….
rapid
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents rate of disappearance of the effect is ……
rapid
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents adverse effects: (3)
- muscle pain
- prolonged muscle paralysis (cholinesterase deficiency, the elderly, newborns, liver disease)
- malignant hyperthermia (antidote dantrolene)
The antidote dantrolene is used for…
malignant hyperthermia in patients using depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
Muscle paralysis is NOT reversed by
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
What can cause prolonged muscle paralysis? (2)
cholinesterase deficiency (depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents)
What is the mechanism of action with non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents?
Competitively blocking binding of Ach
What is the effect of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents?
- produce muscle weakness then flaccid paralysis
- maintain awareness and sensitivity to pain
What are the adverse effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents? (4)
- respiratory paralysis
- bronchospasm
- hypotension(histamine liberation)
- tachycardia
What causes hypotension (adverse effect) when using non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents?
histamine liberation
Interactions (increasing the effect) when using non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents? (4)
- local anesthetics
- antiarrhythmics
- Ca-anagonist
- aminoglycosides
What is the antidote for muscle paralysis? What drug causes it? (2)
Antidote: -acetylcholinesterase inhibitors -Increasing Ach Cause: -non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
What drugs can be used to produce muscle relaxation? (3)
Neuromuscular blockers:
- depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
- non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
Other:
-Benzodiazepines
What effects do benzodiazepines have as a muscle relaxant?
- mild-moderate muscle relaxation
- CNS depressant (reducing level of consciousness)