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Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 10e
Chapter 27. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Sections: Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Introduction, Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs, Spasmolytic Drugs, Preparations Available, References.
Excerpt:
"Drugs that affect skeletal muscle function as two very different therapeutic groups: those used during surgical procedures and in intensive care units to produce muscle paralysis for patients requiring ventilatory assistance (ie, neuromuscular blockers) and those used to reduce spasticity in a variety of neurologic conditions (ie, spasmolytics). Neuromuscular blocking drugs interfere with transmission at the neuromuscular end plate and lack central nervous system activity. These compounds are used primarily as adjuncts during general anesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation and optimize surgical conditions while ensuring adequate ventilation. Drugs in the spasmolytic group have traditionally been called "centrally acting" muscle relaxants and are used primarily to treat chronic back pain and fibromyalgic conditions. Dantrolene, a spasmolytic agent that has no significant central effects and is used primarily to treat malignant hyperthermia, is also discussed in this chapter...."
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