Name: Strychnine
Class: Convulsant
Mechanism: Competitive glycine receptor antagonism. neuron excitability due to selective block of inhib. impulses (i.e., interf. w/recurrent Renshaw cell inhib. at skeletal muscle motor neurons). Sim. to tetanus toxin.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Tightness of neck and jaw muscles. Symm. tonic convulsions (aggravated by sensory stim.). Resp. paralysis. Impaired resp. ® hypoxia ® medullary paralysis ® death.
Utility: Pesticide/rodenticide.
Special Features: Treat poisoning w/IV diazepam, insulation from sensory input, and respiratory support.