Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:05
Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat
Published on: November 21, 2025
New drugs for neuraxial blockade
S A Schug1, H Buerkle, M Moharib
1Section of Anaesthetics, Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. s.schug@auckland.ac.nz
Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology
|October 4, 2006
Summary
New agents for neuraxial blockade, including local anesthetics and opioids, are improving anesthesia and analgesia. Combining these agents can reduce adverse effects for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuraxial blockade techniques are increasingly utilizing a wider range of pharmacological agents.
- Developments in local anesthetics and opioids have expanded options for spinal and epidural anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on agents used for neuraxial blockade.
- To identify potential improvements in balanced anesthesia and analgesia through agent combinations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on neuraxial blockade agents.
- Analysis of agent combinations for intrathecal and epidural administration.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in the variety of agents for neuraxial blockade has been observed.
- Novel agent categories are being explored for intrathecal and epidural applications.
Conclusions:
- Combining different agents for neuraxial blockade holds promise for enhanced balanced anesthesia and analgesia.
- Strategic combination of agents can potentially mitigate adverse effects associated with neuraxial techniques.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
01:27Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers prevent the membrane depolarization of muscle cells and inhibit muscle contraction. These are usually administered with anesthetics to achieve complete muscle relaxation. Upon administration, these drugs first block the small, rapidly contracting muscles of the face and hands, followed by the larger muscles of the trunk and the intercostal muscles. The diaphragm is the last muscle to be affected.
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
01:28Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
01:11Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacokinetics
All neuromuscular blocking agents are injected intravenously because they are poorly absorbed from the GI tract. Rapid onset is achieved with intravenous administration, although absorption is also adequate from an intramuscular injection. Since these agents are highly ionized, they do not readily penetrate cell membranes or cross the blood-brain barrier.
Instead, they are transported by the blood to different tissues. Muscles with a greater blood supply (arteries) and blood flow receive more...
Instead, they are transported by the blood to different tissues. Muscles with a greater blood supply (arteries) and blood flow receive more...
01:17Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers induce paralysis by competitively blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the muscle end plate. Examples include pancuronium, mivacurium, vecuronium, and rocuronium. These quaternary ammonium derivatives are administered intravenously, are poorly absorbed, and are excreted via the kidneys.
Competitive antagonists prevent acetylcholine from binding to its receptor, inhibiting membrane depolarization. Without conformational changes or intrinsic...
Competitive antagonists prevent acetylcholine from binding to its receptor, inhibiting membrane depolarization. Without conformational changes or intrinsic...
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...