<unk>  is a neuromuscular blocking (NMB) agent, alternatively referred to as a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is a semi-synthetic substance prepared from C-toxiferine I, a bis-quaternary alkaloid obtained from Strychnos toxifera. C-toxiferine I itself has been tested for its pharmacological action and noted to be a very long acting neuromuscular blocking agent For a formal definition of the durations of actions associated with NMB agents, see page for gantacurium. The replacement of both the N-methyl groups with N-allyl moieties yielded N,N-diallyl-bis-nortoxiferine, now recognized as alcuornium (and at one time marketed as the proprietary agent called Alloferin).
Inclusion of the allylic functions presented an enhanced potential area of biotransformation, and thus<unk>  is observed to have a much shorter duration of neuromuscular blocking action than its parent C-toxiferine I. It also has a more rapid onset of action, and is ~1.5 times as potent as tubocurarine. The pharmacological action of<unk>  is readily reversed by neostigmine, and it produced little histamine release. The major disadvantage of<unk>  is that it elicits a vagolytic effect produced by a selective atropoine-like blockade of cardiac muscarinic receptors.
Alcuronium
Rocuronium
Rocuronium bromide
Pancuronium
Hexafluronium
Vecuronium
Edrophonium
Pipecuronium bromide