Mivacurium is a highly selective neuromuscular blocker, with a short duration of action and rapid recovery. It is indicated in general anesthesia to enable tracheal intubation, release the skeletal musculature and facilitate the assisted respiration in a wide range of surgical procedures.
What is Mivacurium?
Mivacurium is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs referred to as muscle relaxants. More precisely, it is called "anticholinergic, benzyl isoquinoline drug with neuromuscular blocking activity." The Mivacurium is especially part of the competitive nondepolarising neuromuscular blockers. These drugs act on the peripheral nervous system, interrupting the neuromuscular transmission by competing with the activity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and reducing the response of acetylcholine receptors released after the nervous impulse.
In addition Mivacurium is also part of the tubocurarines (this group is the founder of the non-depolarizing muscle relaxants), alcuronium, the gallamine triethiodide, metocurine, pancuronium, atracurium, cisatracurium, and vecuronium.
How should Mivacurium be taken?
Mivacurium is commercially available for use the form of solution for injections, designed for intravenous use (bolus injection or continuous infusion).
Side effects associated with Mivacurium
There are several adverse effects that may arise from the use of Mivacurium, including:
- General disorders: allergic reactions;
- Cardiovascular disturbances: hypotension, hypertension, vasodilation, tachycardia, bradycardia, hypoxemia;
- Respiratory system disorders: dyspnea, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, asthma;
- Musculoskeletal disorders: muscle weakness;
- Dermatologic disorders: rash, urticaria, rash, reactions at the injection site
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Mivacurium
Particular attention should be paid to the administration of this drug in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to the product. This medication is used only in hospitals or in similar environments; therefore, it is prohibited to sell it to the general population.
Similar to all other neuromuscular blocking agents, the dosage of Mivacurium should be individualized for each patient.
It is recommended to proceed with caution when administrating this drug in cases of pregnant and lactating women, and its use must be granted exclusively behind expressed judgment of the treating physician.
