Tag: Neuromuscular blockers

In a 2019 survey of Brazilian anesthesiologists, magnesium sulfate was among the top five most used adjuvants, with respondents frequently citing its benefits for enhanced postoperative analgesia and reduced anesthetic consumption. The complex pharmacological actions of magnesium raise a critical question: *does magnesium interfere with anesthesia?* The answer lies in the careful balance between its therapeutic benefits and the potential for serious complications if not properly managed.

According to a 2017 Cochrane review, using premedication drugs for rapid sequence intubation is associated with fewer intubation attempts and adverse events. Understanding what are the premedication drugs used in intubation is critical for effective airway management, mitigating physiological stress, and ensuring patient comfort and safety during the procedure.

Studies show that using paralytic agents during emergency intubation can significantly increase first-pass success rates compared to using sedation alone. Understanding **what are the paralytic drugs used in intubation** is crucial for healthcare professionals to facilitate a safe and successful airway procedure by providing optimal conditions for tube placement.

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are a cornerstone of modern anesthesia, used to paralyze muscles during surgery and intubation. Understanding when to use depolarizing vs nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers is critical for patient safety and procedural success. The choice depends on the desired onset, duration, and patient-specific factors.

An estimated 50 million surgical procedures are performed annually in the U.S., with many utilizing neuromuscular blocking agents for muscle relaxation and intubation. Understanding what is the difference between ROC and SUX is crucial for clinicians selecting the appropriate agent for a procedure, especially for rapid sequence intubation (RSI).

Anesthesia and pain management have been revolutionized by drugs that temporarily halt nervous system function during medical procedures. However, pinpointing which drug stops the nervous system is complex, as various medications serve this purpose, each with a distinct mechanism and application. The answer depends on whether the goal is to block consciousness in the central nervous system or merely paralyze the peripheral muscles.

First isolated in 1935, d-tubocurarine, the active component of curare, was the first neuromuscular blocker used in modern surgery, revolutionizing anesthesia. Despite its groundbreaking past, the question remains: is curare still used today?

Historically used as a hunting poison by indigenous South American tribes, curare is an alkaloid mixture that causes muscle paralysis when it enters the bloodstream. This potent plant extract, known for its ability to immobilize prey, operates by disrupting the communication between nerves and muscles, directly answering the question: does curare paralyze you?

Pancuronium is a potent neuromuscular blocking drug, with an ED95 (the dose causing 95% muscle twitch depression) of just 60 μg/kg [1.5.3]. This article explains what is the difference between pancuronium and rocuronium, two common aminosteroid muscle relaxants used in anesthesia.

For decades, succinylcholine was the gold standard for rapid sequence intubation (RSI) due to its rapid onset and short duration. Today, clinicians often deliberate on when to use rocuronium vs succinylcholine, a choice influenced by patient-specific factors, side effect profiles, and the availability of reversal agents.