Alcuronium
Encyclopedia
Alcuronium is a peripherally acting muscle relaxant
in the curare
alkaloid family. It is a semi-synthetic substance derived from toxiferine
.
Muscle relaxant
A muscle relaxant is a drug which affects skeletal muscle function and decreases the muscle tone. It may be used to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia. The term "muscle relaxant" is used to refer to two major therapeutic groups: neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics...
in the curare
Curare
Curare is a common name for various arrow poisons originating from South America. The three main types of curare are:* tubocurare...
alkaloid family. It is a semi-synthetic substance derived from toxiferine
Toxiferine
Toxiferine is a curare toxin. It is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist....
.
Effects
- Cardiovascular system - histamine release and blockage of the sympathetic ganglia including adrenal medulla could cause Hypotension
- Respiratory - apnea due to phrenic blockage but bronchoconstriction can occur from the histamine release
- Central nervous system - no effect on intraoccular pressure
- Autonomic ganglion blockade can cause decrease in gut motility
Special points
- Duration of action prolonger in states of low potassium, calcium and protein, also in states of high magnesium and acidosis.
- Pharmaceutically incompatible with thiopentone
- Infusion can cause fixed dilated pupils