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Paralytic AgentAka: Neuromuscular Blockade, Non-depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agent, Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agent

See Also
1. Rapid Sequence Intubation
Precautions
1. Used only in anesthesia, emergency and intensive care
2. Airway and respiratory control is critical after use
3. Paralytic Agents do not alter Level of Consciousness
  1. Must be used with Sedation and analgesia
Mechanism
1. Interfere with transmission at neuromuscular end plate
2. Two mechanisms of Neuromuscular Blockade
  1. Non-depolarizing agents (Acetylcholine antagonists)
    1. Prototype: Curare
    2. Agents used clinically
      1. Vecuronium
      2. Pancuronium
    3. Other agents: Tubocurarine, Metocurine, Gallamine
  2. Depolarizing agents (Acetylcholine agonists)
    1. May also occur with cholinesterase inhibitors
    2. Prototype: Succinylcholine
    3. Agents used clinically
      1. Succinylcholine
References
1. Miller in Katzung (1989) Pharmacology, p. 323-33
2. Savarese in Miller (2000) Anesthesia, p. 412-90

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