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Mivacurium
1Department of Anaesthetics, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
British Journal of Hospital Medicine
|March 5, 1997
Summary
Mivacurium, a muscle relaxant, is hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase like suxamethonium. Despite a slower onset and longer duration, it offers a shorter action than other non-depolarizing drugs at clinical doses.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Neuromuscular Blockade
Background:
- Mivacurium is a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant introduced in 1988.
- It shares pharmacokinetic similarities with suxamethonium, including hydrolysis by plasma cholinesterase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of mivacurium with suxamethonium and other non-depolarizing muscle relaxants.
- To evaluate the clinical duration of action of mivacurium at standard doses.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic analysis of mivacurium.
- Comparison of onset and duration of action with suxamethonium and other non-depolarizing agents.
- Clinical dose-response studies.
Main Results:
- Mivacurium is hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase.
- It exhibits a slower onset and longer duration of action compared to suxamethonium.
- However, at clinically relevant doses, mivacurium's duration is shorter than alternative non-depolarizing muscle relaxants.
Conclusions:
- Mivacurium offers a unique profile among non-depolarizing muscle relaxants.
- Its intermediate duration of action makes it a useful alternative in certain clinical settings.
- Plasma cholinesterase activity is a key determinant of mivacurium's duration.