Neuromuscular blockers in medical practice: a literature review

Authors

  • Carla Regina Ribeiro Author
  • Cristhiane Taimara Haito Author
  • Flori Menezes da Silva Author
  • Rafael Ferreira Batista Author
  • Paula Tamires Lenes da Silva Santos Carvalho Author
  • Kali Mundim Dias de Jesus Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69849/4cnbgv66

Keywords:

neuromuscular blockers, anesthesia, pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, intubation

Abstract

Neuromuscular blockers are drugs widely used in anesthesiology, emergency medicine and intensive care to promote skeletal muscle relaxation. These medications act at the neuromuscular junction, blocking the transmission of nerve impulses mediated by acetylcholine. The objective of this work is to carry out a detailed review of neuromuscular blockers, covering physiology of the neuromuscular junction, pharmacological classification, mechanisms of action, clinical indications, adverse effects and methods of reversing the blockade. This is a narrative review of the literature based on classic pharmacology and anesthesiology books and scientific articles. The results show that these agents play an essential role in surgical procedures, tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. However, inappropriate use can lead to serious complications, making knowledge of its pharmacological properties and neuromuscular monitoring strategies essential.

References

BRUNTON, L. L.; HILAL-DANDAN, R.; KNOLLMANN, B. C. Goodman & Gilman's: As bases farmacológicas da terapêutica. 13. ed. Porto Alegre: AMGH, 2018.

BUTTERWORTH, J. F.; MACKEY, D. C.; WASNICK, J. D. Morgan & Mikhail’s Clinical Anesthesiology. 6. ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2019.

HALL, J. E. Guyton & Hall – Tratado de fisiologia médica. 14. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Elsevier, 2021.

MILLER, R. D. Miller’s Anesthesia. 9. ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2020.

Published

2026-03-19

How to Cite

Ribeiro, C. R., Haito, C. T., Silva, F. M. da, Batista, R. F., Carvalho, P. T. L. da S. S., & Jesus, K. M. D. de. (2026). Neuromuscular blockers in medical practice: a literature review. Revista Ft, 30(156), 01-09. https://doi.org/10.69849/4cnbgv66