Common paralytic drugs include succinylcholine, atracurium, and vecuronium.
This can help reduce brain damage and long-term problems.
In these situations, muscle paralysis is usually maintained for 12 to 24 hours or longer.
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The muscles of thediaphragm, which help expand the lungs, are also paralyzed by these medications.
Paralytic drugs are rapidly distributed throughout the body after they are injected.
They quickly bind to and block neuromuscular binding sites on muscles to prevent them from functioning.
These drugs can affect people differently.
Commonly Used Paralytic Drugs
Paralytic drugs are available in hospitals and surgical facilities.
Some patients wonder if propofol is a paralytic drug.
It is not; it is a sedative.
It is used to put you to sleep during a medical procedure.
Examples include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, and edrophonium.
As with paralytic drugs, the dosage must be carefully selected to avoid negative side effects.
What Paralytics Don’t Do
General anesthesia involves a combination of medications, monitoring, and support.
Paralytics are one part of the whole general anesthesia process, and they do not impact pain or memory.
Other anesthetic medications provide sedation (put you to sleep) and pain control.
Home Use
Neuromuscular blocking agents are not used at home.
Even with appropriate use and careful monitoring, common side effects of neuromuscular blocking agents can cause side effects.
Treatment would be initiated right away so that your surgery can proceed safely.
If you develop any side effects, treatment would be initiated right away.
This can include interventions such as oxygen or medication for your heart or lungs.
Summary
Paralytic drugs are commonly used to keep the body immobile during surgery.
These medications are used alongside general anesthesia, which prevents pain and keeps you asleep during the procedure.
Paralytic drugs are short-acting medications, so their effects wear off quickly after surgery.
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