Pharmacokinetics

PHARMACOKINETICS

  • All neuromuscular blockers are quaternary compounds-- Not orally absorbed
    • Given as i.m or i.v.
    • Muscle with rich blood supply gets affected first
    • Do not cross placenta or BBB
    • Gallamine is not metabolized. 
  • d-tubocurarine, Pancuronium, Doxacurium and Pipercuronium are partly metabolized
    • Vecuronium, Atracurium, Mepvacurium, Rovacurium are largely metabolised
    • Unchanged drug is excreted in urine and bile.
  • Succinylcholine is rapidly hydrolysed by plasma pseudocholinesterase to succinyl monocholine and then to succinic acid and choline.
    • Some may have deficiency of pseudocholinestease thereby entering phase II blockade leading to muscle paralysis and apnoea lasting for hours.
Last modified: Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 5:37 AM