Neuromuscular blockers

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NMJ & Succinylcholine - Shock and Block

  • Physiology: At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), Acetylcholine (ACh) binds to nicotinic receptors (nAChR) on the motor end plate, causing depolarization → muscle contraction.

Neuromuscular Junction with Acetylcholine Release

  • Succinylcholine: A depolarizing neuromuscular blocker composed of two linked ACh molecules. Its action occurs in two phases:
    • Phase I (Depolarizing Block): Binds nAChR, causing persistent depolarization. This leads to initial muscle fasciculations (the "shock"), followed by flaccid paralysis as Na+ channels inactivate (the "block"). Cholinesterase inhibitors potentiate this phase.
    • Phase II (Desensitizing Block): With prolonged exposure, the membrane repolarizes, but nAChRs become desensitized to ACh. This block resembles that of non-depolarizing agents and can be reversed by cholinesterase inhibitors.

⭐ Succinylcholine is a major trigger for malignant hyperthermia and can cause severe hyperkalemia in patients with burns, crush injuries, or denervation (due to nAChR upregulation).

Non-Depolarizers & Reversal - The Competitive Crew

  • Mechanism: Competitive antagonists at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChR), preventing ACh binding.
  • Agents: Suffix -curonium or -curium (e.g., Rocuronium, Vecuronium, Atracurium, Cisatracurium).
  • Effect: Induces flaccid paralysis. Effects are reversible and can be overcome by increasing synaptic ACh.
    • Order of paralysis: Eyes/face → limbs/trunk → intercostals → diaphragm. Recovery occurs in reverse order.
  • Reversal:
    • AChE Inhibitors: Neostigmine or Edrophonium increase ACh to outcompete the blocker.
    • ⚠️ To prevent systemic muscarinic effects (bradycardia, salivation), co-administer with an antimuscarinic like Glycopyrrolate or Atropine.
    • Sugammadex: Directly encapsulates and inactivates Rocuronium and Vecuronium.

Atracurium and Cisatracurium are cleared by Hofmann elimination (spontaneous degradation in plasma), making them ideal for patients with renal or hepatic failure.

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Structure

Adverse Effects & Monitoring - Twitches and Trouble

  • All NMBs: Respiratory paralysis (requires mechanical ventilation), apnea.

  • Succinylcholine (Depolarizing):

    • Hyperkalemia: ⚠️ Risk in burn, crush injury, or neuromuscular disease patients (upregulated nAChRs). Can cause cardiac arrest.
    • Malignant Hyperthermia: Especially with halothane. Treat with dantrolene.
    • Muscle pain/fasciculations, ↑ intraocular/intragastric pressure.
  • Non-depolarizing Agents:

    • Histamine release: Atracurium, mivacurium → hypotension, flushing, bronchospasm.
    • Cardiovascular: Pancuronium (vagolytic) → tachycardia. Tubocurarine → hypotension.
  • Monitoring (Train-of-Four Stimulation):

    • Peripheral nerve stimulator assesses twitch response.
    • Non-depolarizing: Fade response (successive twitches weaken). TOF ratio < 0.9.
    • Depolarizing: Phase I (constant but diminished response), Phase II (fade).

Succinylcholine is contraindicated >48 hours after major burns, crush injuries, or denervation due to the risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia from receptor upregulation.

Train-of-Four response and neuromuscular blockade

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Succinylcholine is a depolarizing blocker with two phases; risks include malignant hyperthermia and hyperkalemia.
  • Non-depolarizing blockers (e.g., rocuronium) are competitive ACh antagonists, reversed by neostigmine.
  • Treat malignant hyperthermia (from succinylcholine + volatile anesthetics) with dantrolene.
  • Dantrolene blocks ryanodine receptor Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
  • Atracurium and cisatracurium are cleared via Hofmann elimination, safe in organ failure.
  • Sugammadex provides rapid reversal for rocuronium and vecuronium.

Practice Questions: Neuromuscular blockers

Test your understanding with these related questions

During a nerve conduction study, which of the following ions is primarily responsible for the rapid upstroke of the action potential?

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Flashcards: Neuromuscular blockers

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Tubocurarine is a _____ (depolarizing or non-depolarizing) neuromuscular blocking agent

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Tubocurarine is a _____ (depolarizing or non-depolarizing) neuromuscular blocking agent

non-depolarizing

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