NMBs are used to facilitate:

• Tracheal intubation
• Surgery where muscle relaxation is essential
• Mechanical ventilation

When NMBs are used during an operation, they must always be used in conjunction with a peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS), so that the effects can be monitored. Failure to do so may result in incomplete reversal at the end of the operation; at best this is unpleasant and at worst it may lead to hypoxia or aspiration.

Anaesthesia involving NMBs is associated with a higher incidence of awareness compared to anaesthesia without paralysis.