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
