Mivacurium and bronchospasm

Michael J Bishop1, J T O'Donnell, J R Salemi

  • 1*Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; †Department of Pharmacology, Rush Medical College, Chicago; and ‡Pharmaconsultant, Inc., Palatine, Illinois.

Abstract

Insights

Severe bronchospasm is a risk with nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. This study analyzed the Food and Drug Administration MedWatch database to assess the frequency of this adverse event.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology and Pharmacology
  • Patient Safety

Background:

  • Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants are commonly used in anesthesia.
  • Case reports have indicated potential for severe bronchospasm with mivacurium.

Observation:

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch database was queried.
  • The frequency of bronchospasm as an adverse event was analyzed.

Findings:

  • The analysis aimed to quantify the incidence of bronchospasm.
  • This investigation provides data on the safety profile of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants.

Implications:

  • Understanding the frequency of bronchospasm is crucial for risk assessment.
  • This data can inform clinical practice and guidelines regarding muscle relaxant use.

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