Although the South American arrow poisons have fascinated scientists since the 1500s, the modern clinical use of curare dates to 1932 when it was first used in patients with tetanus. Its first trial for muscular relaxation in general anesthesia occurred in 1942. Pharmacology of Competitive Neuromuscular Blockers A. Examples 1. After I.V. injection, rapid onset of effects 2. Motor weakness quickly followed by flaccid paralysis 3.
Recovery is in the reverse order.
Death is due to paralysis of the muscles of respiration. D. Effects of Competitive neuromuscular blockers on Autonomic Ganglia 1. Tubocurarine causes some degree of nicotinic receptor blockade at autonomic ganglia and adrenal medulla, although it is mor potent for the nicotinic receptors of the neuromuscular junction. Net results a. hypotension and tachycardia b. decreased tone and motility in the GI tract 2. Vecuronium , atracurium , and rocuronium cause much less ganglionic blockade.