Pharmacology - Atracurium

Pharmacology - Atracurium 
Actions
Causing paralysis of skeletal muscle

Mode of Action
Reversible competitive antagonism has been observed at nicotinic receptors of the muscle type. The binding of acetylcholine to the receptors in the end-plate of the muscle is inhibited. It is not possible for the end-plate potential to reach the threshold threshold necessary for the start and propagation of the action potential along the muscle fiber. Anticholinesterases prevent the action from occurring.

Absorption, distribution, and elimination methods
Intravenously administered.
Half-life is thirty minutes. 
The majority of the drug is eliminated in the plasma through a spontaneous chemical reaction known as Hofmann elimination, which allows the duration of action to be somewhat independent of renal function alone.


Use in clinical settings In general anesthesia, it helps with tracheal intubation, it relaxes the muscles for general surgery, and it helps with mechanical ventilation. Cisatracurium is one of the ten isomers of atracurium, and, in therapeutic applications, it is gradually replacing atracurium.

Negative consequences 
Histamine release is responsible for its very minor effects.