See also:
     Rapid Sequence Intubation

Broadly divided into two-classes

     Non-depolarizing agents (block ACh receptors)
          Typical side-effects include hypotension and tachycardia
               Vecuronium* (Norcuron) (0.08-0.15 mg/kg), onset 2-4 min, duration 25-40 min
               Vecuronium* (high dose protocol) (0.15-0.28 mg/kg), duration 60-120 min
                    *A/E: prolonged recovery time in the obese or elderly, or if there is hepatorenal dysfunction
               Rocuronium (Zemuron) (0.6mg/kg), onset 1-3 min, duration 30-45 min; A/E: tachycardia
               Doxacurium (0.05-0.08 mg/kg), onset 3.5 min, duration 80-100 min; A/E: plolonged block
               Atracurium (0.4-0.5 mg/kg), onset 2-3 min, duration 25-45 min; A/E: hypotension, histamine release, bronchospasm
               Pancuronium (Pavulon), onset 90 s, duration 180+ min

     Depolarizing agents (depolarize the muscle; 1st phase causes muscle twitching, 2nd phase is lasting paralysis due to muscle insensitivity to ACh)
          Succinylcholine (suxamethonium) is the most common of such agents
               Onset 30 seconds, but very short duration of action (5–10 minutes) because of hydrolysis by various circulating cholinesterases

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.