Metocurine

Metocurine

Metocurine is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking drug or muscle relaxant in the category of non-depolarizing curare-mimetic agents, and was the first synthetic curare-mimetic. It was introduced in the 1940s and has been largely superseded by newer agents.

History

Metocurine was first synthesized in the 1940s as a replacement for the natural curare products used in anesthesia. It was the first synthetic curare-mimetic, and its development marked a significant advancement in the field of anesthesia.

Pharmacology

Metocurine acts as a non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking drug, meaning it inhibits the action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle relaxation. It is used in anesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation and to provide muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.

Clinical Use

In clinical practice, metocurine is used to facilitate tracheal intubation and to provide muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. However, its use has declined with the introduction of newer agents with fewer side effects and better safety profiles.

Side Effects

The side effects of metocurine include hypotension, bradycardia, and bronchospasm. These side effects are due to its action on the autonomic ganglia and muscarinic receptors.

See Also

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Curare
• Anesthesia