Hughes_1981_Br.J.Anaesth_53_31

Reference

Title : The pharmacology of atracurium: a new competitive neuromuscular blocking agent - Hughes_1981_Br.J.Anaesth_53_31
Author(s) : Hughes R , Chapple DJ
Ref : British Journal of Anaesthesia , 53 :31 , 1981
Abstract :

Atracurium besylate, 2,2'-(3,11-dioxo-4,10-dioxatridecylene)-bis-[6,7-dimethoxy-1-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinium] dibenzenesulphonate, is one of a new series of competitive neuromuscular blocking agents. An i.v. dose of 0.25 mg kg-1 produced complete paralysis in anaesthetized cats, dogs and rhesus monkeys; paralysis was of medium duration and was readily antagonized by neostigmine. Vagal blockade occurred only after doses 8--16 times greater than the full neuromuscular paralysing dose and effects on sympathetic mechanisms were minimal. Hypotension and bradycardia were evident after supramaximal doses of 4 mg kg-1 i.v. and these effects, together with circulatory depression, were probably attributable to histamine release. In vitro studies have shown that the non-enzymic decomposition of atracurium by "Hofmann Elimination" was enhanced by increasing pH. In vivo neuromuscular paralysis was significantly reduced when the arterial pH was increased. There were indications that neither the liver nor the kidney plays a major role in the metabolism and elimination of unchanged drug. These results are of sufficient interest to merit the evaluation of atracurium in anaesthetized man.

PubMedSearch : Hughes_1981_Br.J.Anaesth_53_31
PubMedID: 6161627

Related information

Inhibitor Atracurium

Citations formats

Hughes R, Chapple DJ (1981)
The pharmacology of atracurium: a new competitive neuromuscular blocking agent
British Journal of Anaesthesia 53 :31

Hughes R, Chapple DJ (1981)
British Journal of Anaesthesia 53 :31