title: Adverse effects of nondepolarising neuromuscular blocking agents. Incidence, prevention and management.
abstract: Nondepolarising muscle relaxants block neuromuscular transmission, acting as antagonists of the nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Their undesired effects are frequently caused by interaction with acetylcholine receptors outside this junction, and autonomic cardiovascular effects may result. Other adverse effects include anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions, and histamine release. Various disease states may present specific considerations in the use of nondepolarising muscle relaxants. Although many complications of these drugs (such as prolonged block or resistance) are easily treated, others may necessitate immediate intervention and vigorous therapy. Careful selection of an appropriate relaxant for a particular patient will usually prevent the occurrence of complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Book
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Eisenkraft
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents