Muscle Relaxants

Question 1

What are the functions of Central-acting muscle relaxants?

Answer 1

• Direct (work on contractile mechanism of skeletal musculature)
• Transmission in spinal cord reflex pathways (elicit varying degrees of skeletal muscle relaxation)

Question 2

What is the GOAL of TX CENTRAL-acting skeletal muscle relaxant?

Answer 2

Produce DEC muscle tone and involuntary movement without loss of voluntary muscle function/consciousness

Question 3

What medications are utilized as CENTRAL-acting skeletal muscle agents? (4)

Answer 3

• Cyclobenzaprine
• Baclofen
• Tizanidine
• Carisoprodol

Question 4

What are ADRs of CENTRAL-acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants?

Answer 4

• Drowsiness
• Xerostomia
• N/V (Baclofen-specific)

Question 5

What medications are utilized as Peripheral-acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants?

Answer 5

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

• Succinylcholine
• Vecuronium

Question 6

How do Peripheral-acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants function?

Answer 6

• Interfere with transmission of cholinergic impulses at NMJ
• Produce paralysis of involved skeletal muscles
• Primarily utilized as adjunct TX general anesthesia