Name: Atracurium (Tracrium)
Class: Competitive Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
Mech.: Competitive antagonism of ACh on nicotinic receptors at NMJ ® skeletal muscle paralysis.
Absorption: IV
Dist.: Poor CNS.
Metab.: Spontaneous decomposition in plasma. Some esterase metab.
Excretion, t½: Effect begins in 2-5 min. 90% of muscle fxn returns in 30-60 min. Duration dose-related.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Histamine release ® hypotension.
Utility: Relaxes skeletal muscle, esp. abdominal wall. Used in surgery.
Special Features: Effect non-cumulative. Antag by IV neostigmine or edrophonium. Used more than d-Tubocurarine. Possesses many features of an ideal agent.