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Updated: Sep 21, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
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.
Implications:
Because of case reports of severe bronchospasm after the use of mivacurium, we used the Food and Drug Administration MedWatch database to determine the frequency of bronchospasm as an adverse event after the use of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants.
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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