What are neuromuscular blocking agents?
Neuromuscular blocking agents are drugs used in the intensive care unit which act on nerves and muscles to cause a controlled muscle weakness and relaxation. Examples of neuromuscular blockers include atracurium, cisatracurium, rocuronium and vecuronium. Why are neuromuscular blocking agents used? Patients who require a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine) sometimes have a difficult time allowing the ventilator to breathe for them. This is sometimes referred to as “overbreathing” or “fighting” the ventilator. In order for the patient to receive enough oxygen, this must be controlled. Neuromuscular blocking agents relax the patient’s muscles and this allows the ventilator to do the breathing for the patient. How will the patient look or feel on neuromuscular blocking agents? This controlled muscle weakness will limit the patient’s use of most of the muscles in her body, so they will not be able to move their arms or legs. They will look very still although they may still be able to
