Abstract
Verapamil, a class IV anti-arrhythmic drug that blocks voltage-dependent calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle, also has effects on presynaptic and postsynaptic voltage-dependent calcium channels at the neuromuscular junction. In a postoperative patient with pre-existent myasthenia gravis, oral verapamil caused a marked exacerbation in myasthenic weakness.
MeSH terms
-
Contraindications
-
Coronary Artery Bypass
-
Coronary Disease / complications
-
Electromyography
-
Humans
-
Male
-
Middle Aged
-
Myasthenia Gravis / chemically induced*
-
Myasthenia Gravis / complications
-
Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects
-
Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
-
Tachycardia / drug therapy*
-
Verapamil / adverse effects*
-
Verapamil / therapeutic use