Atracurium (Monograph)
Drug class: Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
VA class: MS200
Chemical name: 2,2′- [1,5-Pentanediylbis [oxy(3-oxo-3,1-propanediyl)]]bis[1-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl] -1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethoxy-2-methylisoquinolinium] dibenzenesulfonate
Molecular formula: C65H82N2O18S2
CAS number: 64228-81-5
Warning
-
Should be administered only by adequately trained clinicians experienced in the use and complications of neuromuscular blocking agents.1
Introduction
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent; benzylisoquinolone.1 2 4 420
Uses for Atracurium
Skeletal Muscle Relaxation
Production of skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery after general anesthesia has been induced.1 2 420
Facilitation of endotracheal intubation;1 2 however, a neuromuscular blocking agent with a rapid onset of action (e.g., succinylcholine, rocuronium) generally preferred in emergency situations when rapid intubation is required.17 58 80 83 84 86 91 94 421 424
Also has been used to facilitate mechanical ventilation in the ICU.1 133 134 135 167 341 Has been given as a continuous IV infusion for up to 10 days in this setting.1 Whenever neuromuscular blocking agents are used in the ICU, consider benefits versus risks of such therapy and assess patients frequently to determine need for continued paralysis.1 421 (See Intensive Care Setting under Cautions.)
Compared with other neuromuscular blocking agents, atracurium has an intermediate onset and duration of action; exhibits minimal cardiovascular effects; and has minimal, if any, cumulative effects.1 9 22 97 420 421 Because elimination is not dependent on renal or hepatic pathways, may be particularly useful in patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction.1 22 97 131 420 421
Atracurium Dosage and Administration
General
Dispensing and Administration Precautions
-
Facilities and personnel necessary for intubation, administration of oxygen, and respiratory support should be immediately available.1 359 424 (See Boxed Warning.)
-
Take special precautions (e.g., segregate storage, limit access, affix warning labels to storage containers and final administration containers) to ensure that the drug is not administered without adequate respiratory support.425 Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recommends the following wording on auxiliary labels: “Warning: Paralyzing agent—causes respiratory arrest—patient must be ventilated.”425
-
Assess neuromuscular blockade and recovery with a peripheral nerve stimulator to accurately monitor the degree of muscle relaxation, determine need for additional doses, and minimize possibility of overdosage.1 421 (See Administration Precautions under Cautions.)
-
To avoid patient distress, administer in conjunction with adequate analgesia and sedation, and only after unconsciousness has been induced.1 2 359 421 423 424
-
A reversal agent should be readily available in the event of a failed intubation or to accelerate neuromuscular recovery after surgery.1 359 421 (See Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade under Dosage and Administration.)
Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade
-
To reverse neuromuscular blockade, administer a cholinesterase inhibitor (e.g., neostigmine, pyridostigmine, edrophonium) in conjunction with an anticholinergic agent such as atropine or glycopyrrolate to block adverse muscarinic effects of the cholinesterase inhibitor.1 9 16 17 18 19 21 23 24 26
-
To minimize risk of residual neuromuscular blockade, attempt reversal only after some degree of spontaneous recovery has occurred; monitor patients closely until adequate recovery of normal neuromuscular function is assured (i.e., ability to maintain satisfactory ventilation and a patent airway).1 355 356 357 358 421
-
Under balanced anesthesia, reversal generally can be attempted about 20–35 minutes after the initial dose or 10–30 minutes after the last maintenance dose, when recovery of muscle twitch has started.1
-
Complete reversal generally is achieved within 8–10 minutes after administration of the cholinesterase inhibitor.1
Administration
Administer IV only; do not administer IM.1 2
IV Administration
For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.
Administer initial (intubating) dose by rapid IV injection;1 2 administer maintenance doses by intermittent IV injection1 2 or continuous IV infusion.1 3 57 60 90 118 119
Use of a controlled-infusion device is recommended during continuous IV infusion of the drug.1 359
Rate of spontaneous recovery after discontinuance of a maintenance infusion is comparable to that following administration of a single IV injection.1
Repeated administration of maintenance doses does not have a cumulative effect on duration of neuromuscular blockade,1 2 9 24 42 43 provided recovery from blockade is allowed to begin prior to administering maintenance doses.1
Consult specialized references for specific procedures and techniques of administration.
Do not mix in the same syringe or administer through the same needle as an alkaline solution.1
Dilution
For continuous IV infusion, dilute atracurium besylate injection to the desired concentration (usually 0.2 or 0.5 mg/mL) in 5% dextrose, 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride, or 0.9% sodium chloride injection.1 Use within 24 hours.1
Dosage
Available as atracurium besylate; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.1
Adjust dosage carefully according to individual requirements and response.1
Pediatric Patients
Skeletal Muscle Relaxation
Initial (Intubating) Dose
IVInfants and children 1 month to 2 years of age: 0.3–0.4 mg/kg when used concomitantly with halothane anesthesia.1 (See Onset and also Duration under Pharmacokinetics.)
Children ≥2 years of age generally should receive same doses recommended for adults.1 (See Adults under Dosage and Administration.)
Insufficient data for recommendation of a specific initial dose of atracurium besylate in infants and children following administration of succinylcholine.1
Maintenance Dosage During Prolonged Surgical Procedures
Intermittent IV InjectionInfants and children may require more frequent maintenance doses than adults.1 2
Children ≥2 years of age generally should receive same doses recommended for adults.1 (See Adults under Dosage and Administration.)
Continuous IV InfusionChildren ≥2 years of age generally should receive same infusion rates as in adults.1 (See Adults under Dosage and Administration.)
Limited data suggest infusion rate requirements may be higher in pediatric ICU patients than in adults.1
Adults
Skeletal Muscle Relaxation
Initial (Intubating) Dose
IV0.4–0.5 mg/kg.1 2 Following administration of this initial dose, endotracheal intubation for nonemergency surgical procedures can be performed within 2–2.5 minutes in most patients.1 2 (See Onset and also Duration under Pharmacokinetics.)
Reduce initial dose by about 33% (i.e., to 0.25–0.35 mg/kg) if steady-state anesthesia has been induced with enflurane or isoflurane.1 2 37 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Consider reducing initial dose by about 20% if steady-state anesthesia has been induced with halothane.1 2 86 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
If administering following succinylcholine, reduce dose to 0.3–0.4 mg/kg.1 2 86 Reduce dose further (e.g., to 0.2–0.3 mg/kg) when inhalation anesthetics are also administered concomitantly.1 2 86 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Maintenance Dosage During Prolonged Surgical Procedures
Intermittent IV Injection0.08–0.1 mg/kg, administered as necessary.1 2
Administer first maintenance dose generally 20–45 minutes after the initial dose in patients undergoing balanced anesthesia.1 2
Administer repeat maintenance doses at relatively regular intervals (i.e., from 15–25 minutes in patients undergoing balanced anesthesia).1 2 Administration at longer intervals may be possible if higher maintenance doses (i.e., up to 0.2 mg/kg) are used or if used with enflurane or isoflurane.1 2
Continuous IV Infusion
Individualize infusion rates based on patient response to peripheral nerve stimulation.1
Initially, 9–10 mcg/kg per minute may be necessary to rapidly counteract spontaneous recovery from neuromuscular blockade.1 3 57 118 Maintenance infusion of 5–9 mcg/kg per minute generally maintains 89–99% neuromuscular blockade in patients receiving balanced anesthesia; however, adequate blockade may occur with infusion rates of 2–15 mcg/kg per minute.1
Initiate continuous IV infusion only after early spontaneous recovery from initial intubating dose is evident.1
Reduce infusion rate by about 33% if steady-state anesthesia has been induced with enflurane or isoflurane.1 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Consider a smaller reduction in the infusion rate if steady-state anesthesia has been induced with halothane.1 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Maintenance Dosage in ICU
To support mechanical ventilation in the ICU, average infusion rates of 11–13 mcg/kg per minute have been used; however, infusion rates may vary widely among patients and may increase or decrease with time.1 Following discontinuance of the infusion, spontaneous recovery to a train-of-four (TOF) >75% generally occurred within approximately 60 minutes.1
Monitor degree of neuromuscular blockade with a peripheral nerve stimulator; do not administer additional doses before there is a definite response to nerve stimulation.1
Following recovery from neuromuscular blockade, administration of a direct IV (“bolus”) dose may be necessary to reestablish neuromuscular blockade prior to reinstitution of the infusion.1
Special Populations
Renal Impairment
Dosage adjustments not required.1 2
Burn Patients
Substantially increased doses may be required due to development of resistance.1 143 144 145 146 147 (See Burn Patients under Cautions.)
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Patients with Induced Hypothermia
Infusion rate required to maintain adequate surgical relaxation during hypothermia (i.e., 25–28°C) is approximately 50% of the infusion rate necessary in normothermic patients.1 57 79
Patients with Myasthenia Gravis
Administer at low initial doses and with careful monitoring in well-controlled patients whose usual therapy is continued up to the time of surgery.114 115 116 130
Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Initial dose of 0.3–0.4 mg/kg administered slowly or in fractional doses over 1 minute.1 2 (See Cardiovascular Effects under Cautions.)
Other Populations
Patients with an increased risk of histamine release (e.g., history of severe anaphylactoid reactions or asthma): Initial dose of 0.3–0.4 mg/kg administered slowly or in fractional doses over 1 minute.1 2
Patients in whom potentiation of neuromuscular blockade or difficulties with reversal of blockade may occur (e.g., neuromuscular disease, severe electrolyte disturbances, carcinomatosis): Consider dosage reduction.1 2 However, no clinical experience to date in these patients, and no specific doses are recommended.1 2 (See Neuromuscular Diseases and also Electrolyte Disturbances under Cautions.)
Cautions for Atracurium
Contraindications
-
Known hypersensitivity to atracurium.1
-
Multiple-dose vials in patients with known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol.1
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Administration Precautions
Because of the potential for severely compromised respiratory function and other complications, take special precautions during administration.80 81 82 83 86 (See Boxed Warning and also see General under Dosage and Administration.)
Sensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, reported rarely.1 422 Potential for cross-sensitivity with other neuromuscular blocking agents (both depolarizing and nondepolarizing).1
Take appropriate precautions; emergency treatment for anaphylaxis should be immediately available.1
General Precautions
Neuromuscular Diseases
Possible exaggerated neuromuscular blockade in patients with neuromuscular diseases (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome).1 2 114 115 116
Monitor degree of neuromuscular blockade with a peripheral nerve stimulator; consider dosage reduction.1 2 114 115 116
Burn Patients
Resistance to therapy1 143 144 145 147 148 can develop in burn patients, particularly those with burns over 25–30% or more of body surface area.143 144 145 146 147 148 149
Resistance generally becomes apparent ≥1 week after the burn,143 144 145 146 147 148 149 peaks ≥2 weeks after the burn,144 145 146 148 persists for several months or longer,144 146 and decreases gradually with healing.143 144 146 148
Consider possible need for substantially increased doses.1 143 144 145 146 147 (See Distribution: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)
Histamine Release
Consider possibility of substantial histamine release in sensitive individuals.1 2
Use with caution and at lower initial doses in patients in whom substantial histamine release would be particularly hazardous (e.g., those with clinically important cardiovascular disease) and in patients with any history suggesting a greater risk of histamine release (e.g., history of severe anaphylactoid reactions or asthma).1 2 Safety in patients with asthma not established.1
Cardiovascular Effects
Exhibits minimal effects on heart rate;1 4 9 12 13 14 31 36 41 67 therefore, will not counteract the bradycardia induced by many anesthetic agents or by vagal stimulation.1 2 Bradycardia during anesthesia may be more common than with other neuromuscular blocking agents.1
Intensive Care Setting
Possible prolonged paralysis and/or muscle weakness with long-term administration of neuromuscular blocking agents in the ICU.341
Continuous monitoring of neuromuscular transmission recommended during neuromuscular blocking agent therapy in intensive care setting.1 Do not administer additional doses before there is a definite response to nerve stimulation tests.1 If no response is elicited, discontinue administration until a response returns.1
Seizures reported rarely in patients with predisposing factors (e.g., head trauma, cerebral edema, hypoxic encephalopathy, viral encephalitis, uremia) receiving continuous IV infusions for facilitation of mechanical ventilation in intensive care settings.1
Electrolyte Disturbances
Monitor the degree of neuromuscular blockade with a peripheral nerve stimulator and consider dosage reduction in patients with severe electrolyte disturbances (i.e., hypermagnesemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia).1 2 86
Malignant Hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia is rarely associated with use of neuromuscular blocking agents and/or potent inhalation anesthetics.1 137 139 141 b Be vigilant for its possible development and prepared for its management in any patient undergoing general anesthesia.1 141
Carcinomatosis
Monitor the degree of neuromuscular blockade with a peripheral nerve stimulator and consider dosage reduction.1 2 86
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.1
Lactation
Not known whether atracurium is distributed into milk.1 Caution advised if used in nursing women.1
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <1 month of age.1
Large amounts of benzyl alcohol (i.e., 100–400 mg/kg daily) have been associated with toxicity in neonates;1 161 162 163 164 165 166 each mL of atracurium besylate injection in multiple-dose vials contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol.1
Geriatric Use
No substantial differences in safety, efficacy, or dosage requirements relative to younger adults.1
Common Adverse Effects
Skin flush.1
Drug Interactions
Specific Drugs
Drug |
Interaction |
Comments |
---|---|---|
Anesthetics, general (enflurane, halothane, isoflurane) |
Increased potency and prolonged duration of neuromuscular blockade1 10 24 31 35 |
Reduced atracurium dosage recommended1 |
Anti-infectives (e.g., aminoglycosides, polymyxins) |
||
Lithium |
Possible increased neuromuscular blockade1 |
|
Magnesium salts |
Use with caution and reduce dosage of atracurium if necessary1 126 127 |
|
Neuromuscular blocking agents |
Possible synergistic or antagonistic effect1 |
|
Procainamide |
Possible increased neuromuscular blockade1 |
|
Quinidine |
Possible increased neuromuscular blockade1 |
|
Succinylcholine |
Variable effects (increased or decreased neuromuscular blockade) reported1 78 117 |
Administer atracurium in reduced dosage and only after patient has recovered from succinylcholine-induced neuromuscular blockade1 |
Atracurium Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Poorly absorbed from the GI tract.b
Onset
Time to maximum neuromuscular blockade decreases as the dose increases.1 22 24 39
Following IV administration of 0.4–0.5 mg/kg, maximum neuromuscular blockade generally occurs within 3–5 minutes1 2 (range: 1.7–10 minutes).5 22 26 27 35 40
Duration
Duration of maximum neuromuscular blockade increases as the dose increases.1 22 24 35 39
Duration of neuromuscular blockade induced by 0.4–0.5 mg/kg under balanced anesthesia is about 20–35 minutes.1 2 17 35 86 Recovery generally is 25 and 95% complete approximately 35–45 and 60–70 minutes, respectively, after the injection.1 86
Regardless of the dose, recovery from the maximum effect of neuromuscular blockade is 95% complete in approximately 30 minutes1 (range: 12–75.7 minutes)2 6 22 24 26 31 39 100 under balanced anesthesia and approximately 40 minutes1 (range: 6–104 minutes)5 6 24 27 34 100 under anesthesia with enflurane, isoflurane, or halothane.
Rate of recovery from neuromuscular blockade is more rapid in children than adults.41 88 92
Alkalosis may enhance recovery.3 54
Special Populations
Hepatic dysfunction does not substantially alter duration of and rate of recovery from neuromuscular blockade.19 40 49 103 104 105 106 131
In patients with renal failure, onset may be slightly delayed;40 103 105 however, renal dysfunction does not substantially alter duration of and rate of recovery from neuromuscular blockade.19 40 49 103 104 105 106 131
In patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery under induced hypothermia, duration of blockade may be prolonged.57 79 97
Distribution
Extent
Distributed into extracellular fluid;2 85 rapidly reaches site of action at motor end-plate of myoneural junction.b
Crosses the placenta in small amounts.1 2 61 107
Plasma Protein Binding
Special Populations
In burn patients, possible increased protein binding (possibly to α1-acid glycoprotein) with subsequent decreases in the free fraction of circulating drug.143 144 145 147
Elimination
Metabolism
Rapidly metabolized via Hofmann elimination and nonspecific enzymatic ester hydrolysis; the liver does not appear to play a major role.1 9 31
Elimination Route
Excreted principally in urine and also in feces via biliary elimination.1 2 3 9 22 31 54 108 109 160
Half-life
Biphasic; terminal elimination half-life is approximately 20 minutes.1 2 47 48 49 50 104
Stability
Storage
Parenteral
Injection
2–8°C; do not freeze.1 2 Store in original carton until use; protect from light.1
Use within 14 days once removed from refrigeration, regardless of whether injection was subsequently rerefrigerated.1
Compatibility
Parenteral
Unstable in the presence of acids and bases.2 May be incompatible with alkaline solutions (e.g., barbiturate solutions).1
Solution CompatibilityHID
Compatible for 24 hours at 5 or 30°C;HID use within 24 hours when diluted with dextrose 5%.1
Compatible for 24 hours at 5 or 25°C;HID use within 24 hours when diluted with sodium chloride 0.9% injection.1
Compatible |
---|
Dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.9% |
Incompatible |
Ringer’s injection, lactated |
Variable |
Dextrose 5% in water |
Sodium chloride 0.9% |
Drug Compatibility
Compatible |
---|
Ciprofloxacin |
Dobutamine HCl |
Dopamine HCl |
Esmolol HCl |
Gentamicin sulfate |
Isoproterenol HCl |
Lidocaine HCl |
Morphine sulfate |
Potassium chloride |
Procainamide HCl |
Vancomycin HCl |
Incompatible |
Aminophylline |
Cefazolin sodium |
Heparin sodium |
Quinidine gluconate |
Ranitidine HCl |
Sodium nitroprusside |
Compatible |
---|
Amiodarone HCl |
Cefazolin |
Cefuroxime sodium |
Clarithromycin |
Co-trimoxazole |
Dexmedetomidine HCl |
Dobutamine HCl |
Dopamine HCl |
Epinephrine HCl |
Esmolol HCl |
Etomidate |
Fenoldopam mesylate |
Fentanyl citrate |
Gentamicin sulfate |
Heparin sodium |
Hetastarch in lactated electrolyte injection (Hextend) |
Hydrocortisone sodium succinate |
Isoproterenol HCl |
Lorazepam |
Midazolam HCl |
Milrinone lactate |
Morphine sulfate |
Nitroglycerin |
Ranitidine HCl |
Sodium nitroprusside |
Vancomycin HCl |
Incompatible |
Diazepam |
Actions
-
Produces skeletal muscle relaxation by causing a decreased response to acetylcholine (ACh) at the myoneural (neuromuscular) junction of skeletal muscle.1 b
-
Exhibits high affinity for ACh receptor sites and competitively blocks access of ACh to motor end-plate of myoneural junction; may affect ACh release.b
-
Blocks the effects of both the small quantities of ACh that maintain muscle tone and the large quantities of ACh that produce voluntary skeletal muscle contraction; does not alter the resting electrical potential of the motor end-plate or cause muscular contractions.b
-
Exhibits minimal cardiovascular effects.2 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 88 93
Advice to Patients
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1
-
Importance of informing clinician of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses (e.g., cardiovascular disease, neuromuscular disease).1
-
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection, for IV use |
10 mg/mL* |
Atracurium Besylate Injection |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions October 22, 2018. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
1. Hospira. Atracurium besylate injection prescribing information. Lake Forest, IL; 2012 Feb.
2. Burroughs Wellcome Co. Tracrium pharmacist product information. Research Triangle Park, NC; 1983 Dec.
3. Collins GE. (Burroughs Wellcome Co, Research Triangle Park, NC): Personal communication; 1984 Mar 22.
4. Lee C, Yang E, Katz RL. Clinical neuromuscular pharmacology of BW 33A. Anesth Analg. 1982; 61:199-200.
5. Goudsouzian NG, Liu LMP, Coté CJ et al. Safety and efficacy of atracurium in adolescents and children anesthetized with halothane. Anesthesiology. 1983; 59:459-62. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6688932
6. Rupp SM, Fahey MR, Miller RD. Neuromuscular and cardiovascular effects of atracurium during nitrous oxide-fentanyl and nitrous oxide-isoflurane anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1): 67-70S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6688020
7. Brandom BW, Woelfel SK, Cook DR et al. Clinical pharmacology of atracurium in infants. Anesthesiology. 1983; 59:A440.
8. Hunt TM, Hughes R, Payne JP. Preliminary studies with atracurium in anaesthetized man. Br J Anaesth. 1980; 52:238-9P.
9. Basta SJ, Ali HH, Savarese JJ et al. Clinical pharmacology of atracurium besylate (BW 33A): a new non-depolarizing muscle relaxant. Anesth Analg. 1982; 61:723-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6213181
10. Savarese JJ, Basta SJ, Ali HH et al. Neuromuscular and cardiovascular effects of BW 33A (atracurium) in patients under halothane anesthesia. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A262.
11. Basta SJ, Savarese JJ, Ali HH et al. Histamine-releasing potencies of atracurium besylate (BW 33A), metocurine, and d-tubocurarine. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A261.
12. Barnes PK, Thomas VJE, Boyd I et al. Comparison of the effects of atracurium and tubocurarine on heart rate and arterial pressure in anaesthetized man. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):91-4S.
13. Basta SJ, Savarese JJ, Ali HH et al. Histamine-releasing potencies of atracurium, dimethyl tubocurarine and tubocurarine. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):105-6S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6338892
14. Pokar H, Brandt L. Haemodynamic effects of atracurium in patients after cardiac surgery. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):139S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6688010
15. Hughes R, Payne JP. Clinical assessment of atracurium using the single twitch and tetanic responses of the adductor pollicis muscles. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):47-52S.
16. Baird WLM, Kerr WJ. Reversal of atracurium with edrophonium. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):63-6S.
17. Foldes FF, Nagashima H, Boros M et al. Muscular relaxation with atracurium, vecuronium and duador under balanced anesthesia. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55:(Suppl 1):97-103S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6190489
18. Rowlands DE. Atracurium in clinical anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):125-8S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6131682
19. Hunter JM, Jones RS, Utting JE. Atracurium in renal failure. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):129S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6688007
20. Philbin DM, Machaj VR, Tomichek RC et al. Haemodynamic effects of bolus injections of atracurium in patients with coronary artery disease. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):131-4S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6131683
21. Goudsouzian NG, Liu LMP, Gionfriddo M et al. The dose response effect of atracurium in infants. Anesth Analg. 1984; 63:223.
22. Hilgenberg JC. Comparison of the pharmacology of vecuronium and atracurium with that of other currently available muscle relaxants. Anesth Analg. 1983; 62:524-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6132564
23. Anon. Atracurium. Lancet. 1983; 1:394-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6130383
24. Payne JP, Hughes R. Evaluation of atracurium in anaesthetized man. Br J Anaesth. 1981; 53:45-54. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7459185
25. Fragen RJ, Robertson EN, Booij LHDJ et al. A comparison of vecuronium and atracurium in man. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A253.
26. Katz RL, Stirt J, Murray AL et al. Neuromuscular effects of atracurium in man. Anesth Analg. 1982; 61:730-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6285767
27. Stirt JA, Murray AL, Katz RL et al. Atracurium during halothane anesthesia in humans. Anesth Analg. 1983; 62:207-10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6687515
28. Robertson EN, Booij LHDJ, Fragen RJ et al. Clinical comparison of atracurium and vecuronium (ORG NC 45). Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55:125-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6131682
29. Rosewarne FA. Vecuronium and atracurium. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55:1042. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6138052
30. Robertson EN, Booij LHDJ, Crul JF. Vecuronium and atracurium. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55:1043. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6626407
31. Ali HH, Savarese JJ, Basta SJ et al. Clinical pharmacology of atracurium: a new intermediate acting nondepolarizing relaxant. Semin Anesth. 1982; 1:57-62.
32. Scott RPF, Goat VA. Atracurium: its speed of onset. A comparison with suxamethonium. Br J Anaesth. 1982; 54:909-11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7115602
33. Brandom BW, Woelfel SK, Cook DR et al. Relative potency of atracurium in children during halothane, isoflurane, or thiopental-fentanyl anesthesia. Anesthesiology. 1983; 59:A442.
34. Goudsouzian NG, Liu LMP, Coté CJ et al. Clinical pharmacology of atracurium (BW 33A) in adolescents anesthetized with halothane. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A414.
35. Sokoll MD, Gergis SD, Mehta M et al. Safety and efficacy of atracurium (BW 33A) in surgical patients receiving balanced or isoflurane anesthesia. Anesthesiology. 1983; 58:450-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6340561
36. Nguyen HD, Nagashima H, Kaplan R et al. Relaxation with BW33A under neurolept and enflurane anesthesia. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A277.
37. Ramsey FM, White PA, Stullken EH et al. Enflurane potentiation of neuromuscular blockade by atracurium. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A255.
38. Cook DR, Rudd GD, Brandom BW. Clinical pharmacology of atracurium (BW33A) in pediatric patients. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A415.
39. Hughes R, Hunt TM, Payne JP. Recovery from neuromuscular blockade by atracurium. Br J Anaesth. 1980; 52:634P.
40. Hunter JM, Jones RS, Utting JE. Use of atracurium in patients with no renal function. Br J Anaesth. 1982; 54:1251-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7171411
41. Brandom BW, Rudd GD, Cook DR. Clinical pharmacology of atracurium in paediatric patients. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):117-21S.
42. Hunter JM, Jones RS, Utting JE. Use of atracurium during general surgery monitored by the train-of-four stimuli. Br J Anaesth. 1982; 54:1243-50. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7171410
43. Ali HH, Savarese JJ, Basta SJ et al. Evaluation of cumulative properties of three new non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs BW A444U, atracurium and vecuronium. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):107-11S.
44. Hughes R, Payne JP. Assessment of atracurium blockade in man by single twitch and tetanic stimulation. Br J Anaesth. 1981; 53:1101-2.
45. Foldes FF, Deery A, Benad G et al. The binding of neuromuscular blocking agents to plasma proteins. Anesthesiology. 1982; 57:A274.
46. Foldes FF, Deery A. Protein binding of atracurium and other short-acting neuromuscular blocking agents and their interaction with human cholinesterases. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):31-4S.
47. Weatherley BC, Williams SG, Neill EAM. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and dose-response relationships of atracurium administered I.V. Br J Anaesth. 1983; 55(Suppl 1):39-45S.
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