Dimethyltubocurarinium chloride

Dimethyltubocurarinium chloride (also known as DMT-C or Metubine) is a pharmacological agent classified as a non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking drug. It is a derivative of tubocurarine, and is used primarily in the field of anesthesiology.

History

Dimethyltubocurarinium chloride was first synthesized in the mid-20th century as a part of a series of modifications to the tubocurarine molecule. The goal was to create a drug with the muscle-relaxing properties of tubocurarine, but with fewer side effects. The result was a compound that was more potent and had a shorter duration of action than its parent compound.

Pharmacology

As a non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking drug, dimethyltubocurarinium chloride works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system. By preventing acetylcholine from binding to its receptors at the neuromuscular junction, dimethyltubocurarinium chloride causes muscle relaxation and paralysis.

Clinical Use

In clinical settings, dimethyltubocurarinium chloride is used to induce muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. It is administered intravenously and its effects are usually evident within a few minutes. The duration of action is typically 20-30 minutes, but can be extended if the drug is administered in larger doses or in combination with other drugs.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of dimethyltubocurarinium chloride are related to its muscle-relaxing properties and can include weakness, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. In rare cases, it can cause an allergic reaction.

See Also

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Tubocurarine
• Acetylcholine

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