The prototype non-depolarizing agent is d-tubocurarine; the prototype-depolarizing drug is succinylcholine.
Pharmacokinetics
- Succinylcholine is composed of two acetylcholine molecules linked end to end.
- Succinylcholine is metabolized by plasma cholinesterase (butyrylcholinesterase or pseudocholinesterase)
- It has a duration of action of only a few minutes if given as a single dose. It is given by continuous infusion if prolonged paralysis is required. Â
Toxicity
Respiratory paralysis: succinyl choline apnea.
Is due to abnormal deficiency of pseudo-cholinestrase enzyme activity.
Treatment:
- Artifecial respiration.
- fresh plasma or blood tranfusion.