Neuromuscular Blocking Agents Use And Controversy In The Hospital Setting
Creator
Gustafson K A; Brown A S
Publisher
Us Pharmacist
Date
2017
2017-01
Description
Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) play an important role in the management of a large number of hospital patients. The pharmacology of NMBAs is well understood, but the use of these agents can be controversial. NMBAs are common in surgical situations and rapid sequence intubation, but other indications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, therapeutic hypothermia, and elevated intracranial pressure, are somewhat divisive. It is essential for pharmacists to be familiar with clinical implications and outcomes associated with the use of NMBAs. In addition, it is important to understand concurrent considerations such as sedation, monitoring, and reversal. Pharmacists in the hospital setting should be familiar with the recently approved novel direct-reversal agent sugammadex (Bridion).