Paper I — 2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) — Q6

Paper I

2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Atracurium

Q63 marksShort Notes★✓

Answer

Atracurium is a non-depolarizing (competitive) neuromuscular blocker.

Mechanism of action

• Competitively blocks nicotinic (N-M) receptors at the neuromuscular junction, preventing acetylcholine-mediated depolarization — producing flaccid skeletal muscle paralysis

Unique feature

• Eliminated by Hofmann elimination — spontaneous, non-enzymatic degradation at physiological pH and temperature — making its duration of action independent of hepatic or renal function, useful in patients with liver/kidney failure

Uses

• Muscle relaxation during surgery/mechanical ventilation

Adverse effects

• Histamine release (flushing, hypotension, bronchospasm)
• Its action can be reversed by anticholinesterases (e.g., neostigmine)

Related Concepts

1. 1Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Other Years Asked

1. 1(2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 8 marks
2. 2Read the clinical problem and answer the following questions: 30 years old man was admitted in emergency ward with acute abdominal pain. After diagnosed with acute appendicitis, he was taken for surgery. On the operation table, after administration of a skeletal muscle relaxant, patient developed difficulty in breathing and went in for apnoea.2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
3. 3Read the clinical problem and answer the following questions: A 50 years old man was administered succinylcholine for endotracheal intubation. The patient developed prolonged muscle paralysis and apnea. (2+2+2)  What could be the cause of apnea in this patient  How will you treat the apnea  Name two muscle relaxants that you can use in this patient in future2021 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
4. 4Mechanism of action of diazepam2014 March (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
5. 5Mechanism of action of pancuronium.2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
6. 6Diazepam2023 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
7. 7Flumazenil2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
8. 8Centrally acting muscle relaxants2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
9. 9Mechanism of action of diazepam.2016 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
10. 10Mechanism of action of dantrolene sodium.2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
11. 11Dantrolene sodium in malignant hyperthermia2023 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
12. 12d-Tubocurarine2021 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
13. 13Dantrolene in malignant hyperthermia.2025 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
14. 14Diazepam2024 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
15. 15Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants2013 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
16. 16Uses of diazepam2017 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
17. 17Competitive neuromuscular blockers2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
18. 18Dantrolene in malignant hyperthermia2019 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
19. 19Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants2022 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
20. 20Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
21. 21Skeletal muscle relaxants2022 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks
22. 22Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants2024 March (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks