metocurine

Metocurine is a synthetic benzylisoquinolinium compound classified as a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent. It acts as a competitive antagonist at cholinergic (nicotinic acetylcholine) receptors on the motor end-plate of skeletal muscle. By binding to these receptors without activating them, it prevents acetylcholine from triggering muscle contraction and thus induces skeletal muscle relaxation and paralysis. This effect is used primarily as an adjunct to anesthesia during surgical procedures or in convulsive therapy to facilitate controlled muscle relaxation[1][2][3][4][5]. The neuromuscular blockade produced by metocurine can be reversed by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine, edrophonium, or pyridostigmine[1][2][3]. Metocurine has moderate risk for histamine release and some ganglion-blocking activity[3][4]. It is administered intravenously and eliminated mainly via the urine after hepatic metabolism[7].

Other names

metocurine iodidedimethylchondrocurarine