Pharm World Sci
-
Continuous infusion is an attractive method of administration when muscle relaxation is needed for a longer period. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of a drug is an important determining factor for the suitability of relaxants for continuous infusion. At present mainly intermediately long acting relaxants are used for this purpose. ⋯ The evoked response can be quantitated with mechanomyography, electromyography, or accelerography. The response of the various muscles to nerve stimulation varies due to the different characteristics of the muscles. Clinically, the use of the adductor pollicis muscle is advised.
-
The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the non-depolarizing muscle relaxants are dependent on age. Thus differences are found between paediatric patients, adults, and elderly patients. ⋯ Prolonged effects and problems in wearing patients from the ventilator are observed when muscle relaxants are used in such patients. Critical illness neuropathy is a syndrome different from relaxant induced neuromyopathy, but may be enhanced by relaxant administration.
-
Clinically, neuromuscular blockade is induced with either depolarizing or non-depolarizing relaxants. Suxamethonium is the only depolarizing relaxant still in use. It is hydrolysed in the plasma by pseudo-cholinesterase (plasma cholinesterase). ⋯ Also, acid base balance disturbances, change in temperature, and neurological diseases have an effect on the profile of the relaxants. A number of drugs (anaesthetics, antibiotics, antiepileptics, etc.) have an effect on neuromuscular transmission, and thus interact with the relaxants. Some non-depolarizing relaxants cause histamine release and cardiovascular effects.