| Class | Ganglionic blocker |
|---|---|
| Chemistry |
bis-quaternary ammonium compound |
| Routes of administration |
IV, IM |
| Absorption |
Poor GI absorption, perhaps 25% of the oral dose is absorbed |
| Solubility |
Highly water soluble; does not cross the blood brain barrier; high pKa |
| Distribution |
VOD = 0.23 L/kg |
| Metabolism |
Minimal metabolism |
| Elimination |
Half life is about 10 minutes; most of the dose (close to 100%) is excreted in the urine |
| Time course of action |
Duration of action is about 2 hrs |
| Target receptor |
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors... Except, "While selective for the ganglia in vivo, its in vitro potency at muscle and neuronal nAChRs is similar" |
| Mechanism of action |
Blocks ganglionic autonomic neurotransmission, therefore decreasing both sympathetic tonic input to the vascular smooth muscle, and to the myocardium. Also blocks vagal neurotransmission. |
| Clinical effects |
Vasodilation (arterial and, presumably, venous) without compensatory tachycardia, as well as ileus, bladder atony, and pupil dilation |
| Literature reference |
Mason, 1980 |
| CICM details of understanding | Not specifically listed in the CICM syllabus |
| Mentioned around Deranged Physiology | |
| Related SAQs |