Rationale for using muscarinic antagonists in pharmacologic (anticholinesterase-mediated) reversal of neuromuscular-blockade:
increases acetylcholine concentration that neuromuscular junctions
inhibits acetylcholinesterase
minimizes muscarinic receptor-mediated effects of anticholinesterase drugs
which antimuscarinic agent might be used in combination with an anticholinesterase when desiring reversal of neuromuscular-blockade and opioid-based maintenance anesthesia has been used:
edrophonium (Tensilon)
high-dose atropine (10-15 ug/kg)
neostigmine (Prostigmin)
More effective in reversing deep neuromuscular-blockade produced by continuous atracurium (Tracrium), vecuronium (Norcuron), or pancuronium (Pavulon) infusions
edrophonium (Tensilon)
neostigmine (Prostigmin)
both are equally effective
Factor(s) that may prevent or inhibit anticholinesterase-mediated antagonism of neuromuscular-blockade:
hyperthermia
respiratory alkalosis
hyperkalemia
certain antibiotics
all of the above
Reversal of phase II block (following prolonged repeated succinylcholine (Anectine)) in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase:
edrophonium (Tensilon)
neostigmine (Prostigmin)
both
neither
Reversal of phase II block (following prolonged or repeated succinylcholine (Anectine) administration) in patients with atypical plasma cholinesterase:
reliable, assisted neuromuscular blockade reversal using edrophonium (Tensilon) or neostigmine (Prostigmin)
unreliable, assisted neuromuscular blockade reversal using edrophonium (Tensilon) or neostigmine (Prostigmin)
Intrathecal neostigmine (Prostigmin) produces postoperative analgesia without respiratory depression: