Atracurium
Also known as: Tracrium, Nimbex
This medication is a specialized muscle relaxant used **strictly in a hospital setting** during general anesthesia. It is administered by a veterinarian while your pet is fully asleep and connected to a breathing machine. It ensures the muscles are completely relaxed to allow the surgeon to perform delicate procedures safely.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Neuromuscular blockade during anaesthesia
- Neuromuscular blockade during anaesthesia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Histamine release (especially with rapid IV injection)
- Bronchospasm
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Histamine release (especially with rapid IV administration)
Cautions & contraindications
- Conscious or inadequately anesthetized animals
- Lack of positive pressure ventilation facilities
- Lack of trained personnel to monitor neuromuscular blockade
- Conscious animals (must NEVER be administered unless the animal is adequately anesthetized)
- > **CRITICAL WARNING:** Do not administer unless the animal is adequately anaesthetized and facilities to provide positive pressure ventilation are available. * **Histamine Release:** Can precipitate the release of histamine after rapid IV administration, resulting in bronchospasm and hypotension. Diluting the drug in normal saline and giving it slowly IV minimizes these effects. * **Physiological Factors:** Hypothermia, acidosis, and hypokalaemia will prolong the duration of action of the neuromuscular blockade. * **Myasthenia Gravis:** Use the low end of the dose range in patients with myasthenia gravis. * **Monitoring:** Monitoring (using a peripheral nerve stimulator) and pharmacological reversal of the neuromuscular blockade is strongly recommended to ensure complete recovery before the end of anaesthesia.
Drug interactions
- Volatile anaesthetics: Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
- Aminoglycosides: Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
- Clindamycin: Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
- Lincomycin: Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
Frequently asked questions
What is Atracurium used for in pets?
This medication is a specialized muscle relaxant used **strictly in a hospital setting** during general anesthesia. It is administered by a veterinarian while your pet is fully asleep and connected to a breathing machine. It ensures the muscles are completely relaxed to allow the surgeon to perform delicate procedures safely.
Is Atracurium safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app