magnesium sulfate + rocuronium

This pharmacological regimen refers to the combined use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and rocuronium bromide, specifically utilizing a 'priming' technique, to facilitate rapid neuromuscular blockade during the induction of general anesthesia. Magnesium sulfate acts as a calcium antagonist at the presynaptic nerve terminal, inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, and also reduces the sensitivity of the post-junctional membrane, thereby potentiating the effects of neuromuscular blockers. Rocuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) that competitively antagonizes nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. The priming principle involves administering a small, sub-paralyzing dose of rocuronium (the priming dose) several minutes before the main intubating dose to occupy a portion of the receptors, which significantly accelerates the onset of action. This specific protocol was investigated by Seoul National University Bundang Hospital to determine if the addition of MgSO4 to a rocuronium priming regimen further enhances the speed and quality of muscle relaxation for tracheal intubation.

Brand names

ZemuronEsmeron

Other names

priming-Seoul National University Bundang Hospital-general anesthesiaMgSO4 + rocuronium primingmagnesium sulfate and rocuronium primingmagnesium sulfate + rocuronium bromide