Atrium

Atracurium is indicated for endotracheal intubation, facilitate mechanical ventilation in intensive care, muscle relaxant in general anaesthesia.

Atracurium antagonizes the neurotransmitter action of acetylcholine by binding competitively with cholinergic receptor sites on the motor end-plate. This antagonism is inhibited, and neuromuscular block reversed, by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine, edrophonium, and pyridostigmine.

Enhanced neuromuscular blocking effect w/ general anaesth (e.g. enflurane, isoflurane, halothane), certain antibiotics (e.g. aminoglycosides, polymyxins), lithium, Mg salts, procainamide, quinidine.

Skin flush, erythema, pruritus, urticaria, wheezing, increased bronchial secretions, bronchospasm, cyanosis, angioedema, CV effects (e.g. bradycardia); wheals and erythema at inj site. Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis.

Pregnancy Category C: Teratogenic Effects. Atracurium besylate has been shown to be potentially teratogenic in rabbits when given in doses up to approximately one-half the human dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Atracurium should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Patient with CV disease, burn injury, asthma; conditions which may antagonise neuromuscular blockade (e.g. resp alkalosis, hypercalcaemia, demyelinating lesions, peripheral neuropathies, denervation, muscle trauma); conditions which may potentiate neuromuscular blockade (e.g. electrolyte abnormalities, neuromuscular diseases, metabolic acidosis, resp acidosis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, myasthenia gravis). Pregnancy and lactation.

Non depolarizing muscle relaxants

Stimulation of histamine release, CV effects especiall hypotension

Store between 2-8° C. Do not freeze.