Atracurium, Cisatracurium, Gallamine and Steroid Derivatives -Non Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blockers

Atracurium

Actions are similar to those of d-tubocurarine. It is safer and more potent than d-tubocurarine because

1. It is eliminated through Hoffmann elimination
2. It is safer to be used in patients with renal and hepatic diseases
3. No histamine is released and no ganglion blockage and tachycardia is observed (can cause hypotension due to systemic histamine release)

Atracurium is broken down into ludanosine and quaternary acid.

Duration of action is 30-35 minutes.

Cisatracurium

Cisatracurium is an analogue of atracurium (stereoisomer). It is more potent and safer than d-tubocurarine. Actions are similar to atracurium.

Gallamine

Gallamine is a synthetic drug. It is less potent as compared to d-tubocurarine. It can cause ganglion blockage, histamine release and sometimes tachycardia.

Steroid derivatives

Steroid derivative are synthetic drugs. They are 5 times more potent than d-tubocurarine.

No histamine is released, no ganglion blockage occurs. Tachycardia is sometimes present.

Continue Reading

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Tubocurarine -Non-depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocker

Suxamethonium -Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocker

Factors affecting actions of Neuromuscular blockers

Benzodiazepines as Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Baclofen and Progabide -GABA Analogues

Mephenesin and Meprobamate -Propandiol Derivatives

Cyclobenzaprine, Orphenadrine and Tizanidine

Dantrolene -Directly Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxant

Browse all articles on Autonomic Nervous System