Neuromuscular block by neomycin in the cat.

The neuromuscular block produced by neomycin is unique. Despite nearly complete blockade of the twitch the tetanus is not blocked and does not fade. The pathognomonic post-tetanic exhaustion has not been reported previously. Anticholinesterases and calcium antagonize the block, but the antagonism may not be complete. Germine antagonizes the block in the cat, but its clinical value has not been tested. These characteristics of neuromuscular block by neomycin strongly suggest respiratory support and sedation to decrease the respiratory drive, rather than attempts at antagonism, as the rational management of patients suffering from toxic paralysis due to neomycin.