Rapacuronium bromide

Rapacuronium bromide is a neuromuscular-blocking drug or muscle relaxant in the category of non-depolarizing curare-like drugs, used in form of an injection to cause relaxation of the muscles during surgery. It was withdrawn from the market due to the risk of potentially fatal bronchospasm.

History

Rapacuronium bromide (INN, marketed as Raplon) was introduced in the late 1990s as a short-acting non-depolarizing muscle relaxant. It was developed by Organon International, a pharmaceutical company based in the Netherlands. However, it was withdrawn from the market in 2001 due to serious adverse effects.

Pharmacology

Rapacuronium bromide acts by competing for the cholinergic receptors at the motor end-plate. This action is antagonized by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine and edrophonium. Rapacuronium has a rapid onset and a short duration of action.

Adverse effects

The most serious adverse effect of rapacuronium bromide is bronchospasm. Other side effects include hypotension, tachycardia, and skin reactions at the injection site.

Withdrawal from the market

Rapacuronium bromide was withdrawn from the market in 2001 after reports of severe bronchospasm, including some that were fatal. The risk was particularly high in patients with a history of asthma.

See also

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Bronchospasm
• Organon International