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Tag: Neuromuscular blockers

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

How Do Neuromuscular Blocking Agents Cause Paralysis?

3 min read
Effective paralysis in a clinical setting requires blocking 70-80% of acetylcholine receptors at the motor endplate. This is precisely how neuromuscular blocking agents cause paralysis, by inhibiting the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction to prevent skeletal muscle contraction.

How does D-tubocurarine cause hypotension?

3 min read
Historically, the administration of D-tubocurarine has been associated with a significant, dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure. This adverse cardiovascular event is one of the key reasons why older neuromuscular blocking agents, and specifically how D-tubocurarine cause hypotension, led to its eventual replacement by newer, more cardiovascularly stable agents.

Does Sugammadex Work on Succinylcholine? A Deep Dive into Neuromuscular Blockade

4 min read
In surgeries where neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are used, rocuronium is the most popular choice, utilized in 88.5% of cases, while succinylcholine is used in 10.4% [1.9.3]. A critical question for clinicians is **does sugammadex work on succinylcholine?** The answer is unequivocally no, due to fundamental differences in their molecular structure and mechanism of action [1.6.1].

Which drugs cause paralysis?: Understanding Drug-Induced Muscle Weakness and Blockade

3 min read
According to a 2016 article in *JAMA Network*, specific reversal agents can restore spontaneous breathing in minutes after paralysis caused by neuromuscular blocking drugs. Understanding **which drugs cause paralysis** is crucial, as this effect can be a controlled, temporary therapeutic action or a severe, unintended side effect resulting from adverse drug reactions or neurotoxicity.

Understanding What Drugs Do Not Cross the Placenta?

4 min read
Approximately 80-90% of all pregnant women take at least one medication during their pregnancy, making it crucial to understand **what drugs do not cross the placenta**. The placental barrier is a dynamic, complex interface that protects the fetus from many substances, but its effectiveness varies significantly based on a medication's specific pharmacological properties.