Stercuronium iodide

Stercuronium iodide is a muscle relaxant used in anesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation, and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. It is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking drug (NMBD) and antagonist that blocks the action of acetylcholine (ACh) at the neuromuscular junction, leading to paralysis of the affected skeletal muscles.

Pharmacology

Stercuronium iodide is a competitive antagonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the receptor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for transmitting signals from nerves to muscles. By blocking these receptors, stercuronium iodide prevents the muscles from receiving these signals, leading to muscle relaxation and paralysis.

Clinical Use

Stercuronium iodide is used in a clinical setting primarily during surgery and in critical care, to allow for tracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. It is often used in conjunction with other anesthetics.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, stercuronium iodide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some of the common side effects include hypotension (low blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).

History

Stercuronium iodide was first synthesized in the 1960s as part of a series of muscle relaxants. It is no longer widely used, having been largely replaced by newer and more effective drugs.

See Also

• Neuromuscular-blocking drug
• Anesthesia
• Tracheal intubation