Atracurium (Besylate)
The first drug that was found capable of blocking the skeletal neuromuscular junction was curare, which the native hunters of the Amazon in the South America used to paralyze prey. Atracurium is a skeletal muscle relaxant and structural analog of acetylcholine. Atracurium (Besylate) is iso-quinoline non-depolarizing competitive neuromuscular blocking agent. The neuromuscular blocking agents have significantly increased the safety of anesthesia , since less anesthetic is required to produce muscle relaxation.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Benzene Sulphonate.
It belongs to Cholinergic nicotinic antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Neuromuscular Blocking Agent, Nondepolarizing pharmacological group. It is also classified under Muscle Relaxants .
Molecular Weight: 1243.4 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 20 · Non-proprietary name: Atracurium (Besylate).
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Atracurium (Besylate) has an oral bioavailability is 0.5% (±0.5%).
Distribution: Atracurium (Besylate) has a volume of distribution is 0.16 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 82%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via extensive, plasma half-life is 17-21 min, renal excretion is 90%.
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Indications
Atracurium (Besylate) is primarily indicated in conditions like Adjunct to anesthesia, Muscle relaxation, Muscle relaxation during intensive care, Muscle relaxation for surgery or intubation, Neuromuscular blockade.
Contraindications
Atracurium (Besylate) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Dosage
Atracurium (Besylate)'s dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 0.45 mg/ kg | 0.45 mg/ kg | — | IV | Initial Bolus Dose |
| 0.45 mg/ kg/hr | 0.45 mg/ kg/hr | — | IV Inf | Maintenance Dose |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0.45 mg/kg | 0.45 mg/kg | — | Intra Venous | As Required |
| 0.008 mg/kg.min | 0.008 mg/kg.min | — | IV Infusion | As Required |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 0.007 mg/kg.min | 0.007 mg/kg.min | — | Infusion | Dose for children over 1 month |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Atracurium (Besylate) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anaphylactic reactions. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Atracurium (Besylate) are Respiratory muscle paralysis.
Atracurium (Besylate) is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Bradycardia , Histamine release, Reaction at injection site, Wheezing .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.20 — Muscle relaxants and cholinesterase inhibitors