Cisatracurium

Excerpt

Cisatracurium besylate is an intermediate-acting, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug (NMBD). Cisatracurium has a benzylisoquinolinium structure and is the 1R cis-1-prime R cis isomer of atracurium. As an NMBD, it has found use as an adjunct to general anesthesia, facilitating tracheal intubation and providing skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery. Cisatracurium may also be used to provide skeletal muscle relaxation to facilitate mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit setting but must be used with sedation. This activity reviews indications, mechanism of action, administration, contraindications, monitoring, and toxicity associated with cisatracurium and the role of the interprofessional team in caring for patients who have received cisatracurium.