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| Formula | C16H38N2 |
| Molar mass | 258.494 g·mol−1 |
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Decamethonium (Syncurine) is adepolarizingmuscle relaxant or neuromuscular blocking agent,[1] and is used inanesthesia to induceparalysis.
Decamethonium, which has a short action time, is similar toacetylcholine and acts as a partialagonist of thenicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In themotor endplate, it causesdepolarization, preventing further effects to the normal release ofacetylcholine from thepresynaptic terminal, and therefore preventing the neural stimulus from affecting themuscle. In the process of binding, decamethonium activates (depolarizes) the motor endplate - but since the decamethonium itself is not degraded, the membrane remains depolarized and unresponsive to normal acetylcholine release.
Decamethonium does not produce unconsciousness or anesthesia, and its effects may cause considerable psychological distress while simultaneously making it impossible for a patient to communicate. For these reasons, administration of the drug to a conscious patient is strongly advised against, except in necessary emergency situations.
Decamethonium was used clinically in the UK for many years, but it is now available only for research purposes.[citation needed]
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