Download – Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs and Anticholinesterases

Neuromuscular blocking drugs NMBDs are quaternary ammonium compounds structurally similar to acetylcholine (ACh); they act mostly at the post-junctional nicotinic receptor of the neuromuscular junction. NMBDs may be agonists (‘depolarising’ NMBDs) or antagonists (‘nondepolarizing’ NMBDs) at the nicotinic receptor. Anticholinesterase drugs (also known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) are used to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing NMBDs. These drugs increase the concentration of ACh at the neuromuscular junction by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Dominic O’Connor*, Carl Gwinnutt
*Correspondence Email: Dominic.O’Connor@health.was.gov.au