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Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
Neuromuscular blocking agents inhibit acetylcholine binding at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle contraction.
Neuromuscular blocking agents inhibit acetylcholine binding at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle contraction. Used for Facilitation of endotracheal intubation during anesthesia, Skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery and mechanical ventilation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Neuromuscular Blocking Agents |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Paralytics, Rocuronium |
| Sponsor | Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS |
| Drug class | Neuromuscular blocking agent |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesiology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
These agents work by blocking acetylcholine receptors at the motor end plate, either competitively (reversibly) or non-competitively (irreversibly). By preventing acetylcholine from activating muscle contraction, they produce paralysis used during anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Effects are reversible with specific antagonists (for competitive agents) or require metabolism for recovery (for non-competitive agents).
Approved indications
- Muscle relaxation during general anesthesia and intubation
- Facilitation of mechanical ventilation in intensive care settings
Common side effects
- Prolonged paralysis
- Histamine release (with certain agents)
- Anaphylaxis
- Malignant hyperthermia (rare)
- Postoperative residual curarization
Key clinical trials
- Association of Sarcopenia With Rocuronium Use in Liver Transplant Recipients (NA)
- Effect of Titrated Administration of Ciprofol on Perioperative Hypotension in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
- Muscle and Fat Mass in Preoperative Computed Tomography and a Neuromuscular Blocking Agent Dose
- A Dose-response Study to Determine the Right Dosage of Sugammadex as a Reversal Agent of Rocuronium in Infants Between 1 and 24 Months Old (PHASE4)
- Flow Cytometry Applied to the Diagnosis of Peri-anaesthesic Reactions (NA)
- The ED-AWARENESS-2 Trial (NA)
- Dexmedetomidine for Improving Emergence Quality in Thyroid Surgery (PHASE4)
- General Anesthesia and General Anesthesia Combined With Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: