| Suxamethonium | • Depolarising neuromuscular blocker • Inhibits action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction • Degraded by plasma cholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase • Fastest onset and shortest duration of action of all muscle relaxants • Produces generalised muscular contraction prior to paralysis • Adverse effects include hyperkalaemia, malignant hyperthermia and lack of acetylcholinesterase | | --- | --- | | Atracurium | • Non depolarising neuromuscular blocking drug • Duration of action usually 30-45 minutes • Generalised histamine release on administration may produce facial flushing, tachycardia and hypotension • Not excreted by liver or kidney, broken down in tissues by hydrolysis • Reversed by neostigmine | | Vecuronium | • Non depolarising neuromuscular blocking drug • Duration of action approximately 30 - 40 minutes • Degraded by liver and kidney and effects prolonged in organ dysfunction • Effects may be reversed by neostigmine | | Pancuronium | • Non depolarising neuromuscular blocker • Onset of action approximately 2-3 minutes • Duration of action up to 2 hours • Effects may be partially reversed with drugs such as neostigmine |