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Previous Volume 332:1691-1699 June 22, 1995 Number 25 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Neuromuscular blocking drugs are routinely used during the administration of anesthesia to allow surgical access to body cavities, in particular the abdomen and thorax, without hindrance from voluntary or reflex muscle movement. The introduction of these agents in 1942 marked a major advance in anesthesia and surgery, allowing the anesthesiologist to maintain respiratory function during prolonged and complex surgery. Neuromuscular blocking drugs are also used in the care of critically ill patients undergoing intensive therapy, to facilitate compliance with mechanical ventilation when sedation and analgesia alone have proved inadequate. In this review, I describe the pharmacology and uses of neuromuscular . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Neuromuscular Transmission and Blockade

Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs

Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs

Anticholinesterase Drugs

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Isomerism

Elimination by Organs

Active Metabolites

Specific Indications for Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs

Tracheal Intubation

Short Surgical Procedures

Long Surgical Procedures

Intensive Therapy

Adverse Effects of Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Critical-Illness Myopathy

Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs in Particular Groups of Patients

Neonates

Infants and Young Children

Elderly Patients

Patients with Renal Disease

Patients with Hepatic Disease

Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Patients with Neuromuscular Disorders

Patients with Thermal Injury

Patients with Reduced Cholinesterase Activity

Summary

Source Information

From the University Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot St., Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom, where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Hunter.

References

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N Engl J Med 1995; 333:1155-1156, Oct 26, 1995. Correspondence

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