Drugs That Relax Muscles (Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs)
Examples
Atracurium - Temporary relaxation of skeletal muscles and breathing muscles. Patients must receive mechanical ventilation during use of this drug.
Pancuronium - Temporary relaxation of skeletal muscles and breathing muscles. Patients must receive mechanical ventilation during use of this drug.
Vecuronium - Temporary relaxation of skeletal muscles and breathing muscles. Patients must receive mechanical ventilation during use of this drug.
What are neuromuscular blocking drugs?
These drugs completely relax most of the muscles so that a person is temporarily unable to move. Neuromuscular blocking drugs are used only in patients on breathing machines. Some patients have a difficult time relaxing when on a breathing machine and may want to breathe out while the machine is breathing in. These drugs relax the muscles and improve the effectiveness of the breathing machine. Since breathing muscles are affected, the patient needs to be on a breathing machine when these drugs are being used. They do not affect the heart muscle.
Why are they given?
The doctor determines that the patient's muscles are working so hard that they are causing harm to the body. Most commonly this occurs with patients that require the breathing machine. These are very powerful drugs and are used only under careful supervision by the doctor and nurse. These drugs are used only when absolutely necessary. A patient on this type of drug is also given a sedative and pain medication to eliminate any unpleasant sensations.
How long are they used?
Normally these drugs are used for hours to days only. The patient is not able to talk or move while on these drugs. Ask the doctor or nurse how long the patient will receive this drug.
Do they have side effects?
Side effects do occur. Some are minor and some are potentially serious. Some people have a short period of muscle weakness even after the drug has been stopped. Occasionally patients develop prolonged weakness after receiving these medications. Often the doctor or nurse will decrease the dose or stop the drug briefly each day to assess the patient's need for the drug.