Newer neuromuscular blockers. Is the practitioner ready for muscle relaxants?

Muscle relaxation may be required for certain surgical procedures. The development of newer neuromuscular blocking agents with few side effects and shorter onsets of action make the use of these drugs more appealing to the private practitioner. This article reviews both currently used and newer neuromuscular blocking agents. Also, monitoring of neuromuscular function and use of neuromuscular blocking agent antagonists will be discussed.