Your patient has been given neostigmine for reversal of the nondepolarizing blockade agent he received during surgery.On examination,you observe severe bradycardia and increased salivation.What is a possible explanation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the reversing agents increase the levels of acetylcholine (ACh),they also increase the effects of ACh at parasympathetic ganglia,producing cholinergic autonomic side effects.Major side effects of these agents include severe bradycardia and salivation.To reduce such adverse effects,agents such as atropine or glycopyrrolate are given with the cholinesterase inhibitors.As vagolytic and anticholinergic agents,atropine and glycopyrrolate prevent the bradycardia,increased salivation,and hyperperistalsis associated with excessive ACh.

Your Patient Has Been Given Neostigmine for Reversal of the Nondepolarizing