Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1995
Case ReportsProlonged neuromuscular blockade when mivacurium and pancuronium were administered in series.
Long acting non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade is useful in many clinical circumstances, especially during surgical procedures. Reinstitution of the blockade for short periods to facilitate the completion of clinical tasks can be accomplished in different ways. We present a case wherein a short-acting non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used after a long-acting one resulted in an unusual prolongation of the neuromuscular blockade.
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For many physicians an antidote is an antidote. According to the International Programme on Chemical Safety definition, an antidote is a therapeutic substance used to counteract the toxic action(s) of a specified xenobiotic. Given this wide definition, the efficacy of an antidote may vary considerably depending on which toxic action(s) being counteracted and the level of counteracting power. ⋯ This may be particularly important in severe poisoning when the antidote may only be considered as an important adjunct to supportive care, e.g. deferoxamine in acute iron poisoning. Unless this is stressed, the unexperienced physician may rely too much on the antidote and pay insufficient attention to the supportive care. The varying efficacy levels will be discussed based on the presently ongoing International Programme on Chemical Safety/Commission of the European Communities evaluation program on antidotes.