Neuromuscular blocking agents in the emergency department.
Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are utilized frequently in the emergency department (ED). We begin with a brief history of neuromuscular blockade, then review the indications and guidelines for its use in the emergency department setting. The relevant agents will be discussed focusing on dosage, side effects, and adverse reactions. Special attention will be paid to succinylcholine, the drug most commonly employed in the ED setting, followed by a summary of the nondepolarizing agents currently available, in particular the four shorter-acting agents that are most appropriate for administration in the ED.
Rubin
M A
MA
Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287-2080, USA.
Sadovnikoff
N
N
D000732:Androstanols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001279:Atracurium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077590:Mivacurium; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010197:Pancuronium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077123:Rocuronium; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000732:Androstanols; D007546:Isoquinolines; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; D001279:Atracurium; D000077590:Mivacurium; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide; D013390:Succinylcholine; D010197:Pancuronium; D000077123:Rocuronium