For pharmacological reversion of neuromuscular blockade, decurarization with atropine and neostigmine can be used, however, this procedure has its side effects and sometimes leads to postoperative residual curarization. A more effective approach is the administration of sugammadex, which causes encapsulation of the steroidal muscle relaxants rocuronium and vecuronium, reducing the amount available for binding to acetylcholine receptors on the neuromuscular plate, thus abolishing neuromuscular blockade.
Sugammadex is of particular benefit in selected patient groups, but its wider use remains hampered by its high cost