Neuromuscular Blockers Flashcards
What are neuromuscular blockers?
Drugs that work at the neuromuscular junction
What type of receptors does ACh activate at the post-junctional membrane?
Nicotinic
What removes ACh from the synaptic cleft after an action potential has been generated?
Acetylcholinesterase
How are neuromuscular blockers subdivided?
Depolarizing vs non-depolarizing agents
Atracurium, vecuronium and what type of neruomuscular blockers?
Non-depolarizing agents
What is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker?
Succhinylcholine
Which neuromuscular blockers differ from ACh and how?
Depolarizing drugs are not susceptible to breakdown by ACh-esterase = persistent depolarization
Why should neuromuscular blockers not be used alone for immobilization?
Inhumane, no analgesic/sedative/anesthetic properties
Why must ventilation be controlled after administering a neuromuscular blocker to an animal?
Resp muscles are paralyzed
How can you reverse paralysis caused by a neuromuscular blocker?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
What are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
Edrophonium, neostigmine, pyridostigmine
What are cholinergic effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
Bradycardia, bronchospasm, miosis, salivation
What are complications that can be seen following neuromuscular blocker administration?
Residual paralysis, histamine release, hyperkalemia, CV effects
