Mivacurium chloride

Mivacurium chloride is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking drug or muscle relaxant in the category of non-depolarizing curare-mimetic agents, and is used in anesthesia, primarily to facilitate endotracheal intubation. It is a mixture of three isomers, the trans-trans, cis-trans, and cis-cis isomers. Mivacurium chloride is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

Pharmacology

Mivacurium chloride acts by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscle cells. It does this by binding to the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, which prevents acetylcholine from binding. This leads to muscle relaxation and paralysis.

Clinical use

Mivacurium chloride is used in anesthesia to provide muscle relaxation during surgery. It is also used to facilitate endotracheal intubation. The drug is administered intravenously and its effects are usually seen within 2 to 3 minutes. The duration of action is typically 15 to 20 minutes.

Side effects

The most common side effects of mivacurium chloride include flushing, bronchospasm, and hypotension. Less common side effects include bradycardia, tachycardia, and hypertension. Rarely, mivacurium chloride can cause anaphylaxis.

Contraindications

Mivacurium chloride is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug. It should also be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular diseases, as these patients may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.

See also

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Anesthesia
• Endotracheal intubation