Stercuronium

Stercuronium is a neuromuscular-blocking drug or muscle relaxant in the category of non-depolarizing curare-mimetic muscle relaxant. It is used in modern anaesthesia at the induction phase, to facilitate endotracheal intubation and to suppress muscle contractions.

Pharmacology

Stercuronium is a synthetic steroid that acts as a competitive antagonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, blocking the action of acetylcholine and causing muscle relaxation. It has a rapid onset and a short duration of action, making it suitable for rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia.

Clinical Use

Stercuronium is used in the induction phase of general anaesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation and to suppress muscle contractions. It is also used in the maintenance phase of anaesthesia to maintain muscle relaxation during surgery. Stercuronium is often used in combination with other drugs such as propofol and fentanyl to provide a balanced anaesthetic technique.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of stercuronium include hypotension, tachycardia, and bronchospasm. Rare but serious side effects include anaphylaxis and prolonged paralysis.

Contraindications

Stercuronium is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. It is also contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders, as it may exacerbate muscle weakness.

See Also

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Muscle relaxant
• Curare
• Anaesthesia
• Endotracheal intubation