Drugs and the neuromuscular system

Abstract

Acute neuromuscular disorders usually manifest as muscle weakness. The weakness can arise from primary neuromuscular disorders or can be a manifestation of a systemic illness. Few pharmacological agents act directly on the neuromuscular system. Most of the currently available agents work at the neuromuscular junction by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. This prevents hydrolysis leading to increased concentrations of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction. Anticholinesterase agents are used in the management of patients in a limited number of neuromuscular disorders, for example in the management of myasthenia gravis and in the treatment of glaucoma. They are also used to reverse the effects of muscle relaxants.