FieldDxAtracuriumDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs, Horses and Sheep.
What it is used for
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent. Producing temporary skeletal muscle relaxation/paralysis during ophthalmic or thoracic surgeries.
Dose by species
Doses are shown as published, not averaged across sources. Enter the animal’s body weight in the interactive drug guide to calculate the amount.
How it works
Competitively blocks acetylcholine at the nicotinic neuromuscular junction.
Do not use in
Absence of mechanical/ventilator support.
Main adverse effects
Clinically significant adverse effects are rare (less than 1%) in humans receiving recommended doses of atracurium and are usually secondary to histamine release. They can include allergic reactions, inadequate or prolonged neuromuscular blockade, hypotension (usually manifesting in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease), vasodilation, bradycardia, tachycardia, dyspnea, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, rash, urticaria, or a reaction at the injection site.
Monitoring
■ Level of neuromuscular blockade. It is strongly recommended to be familiar with techniques required to monitor the level of neuromuscular blockade (eg, acceleromyography, train of four twitch ratio) when using atracurium.
Source
Plumb (p. 109); Papich (p. 44)
Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Edition
Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Edition (p. 69)
Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.