What is atracurium?
Atracurium is an injectable neuromuscular blocking agent used during general anesthesia to produce complete muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation in cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other animals. It may also be used to ease passage of a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation). Atracurium has also been used intra-urethrally (in the urethra) in cats and dogs with urethral obstructions and to help manually express the bladder.
It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
How do I give my pet atracurium?
- Atracurium comes in an injectable form.
- Injections are given intravenously (into the vein). This medication may also be given into the urethra for bladder relaxation.
- Injections are administered by your veterinary team.
- Follow your veterinarian’s directions for post-injection care.
This medication should start to take effect within minutes.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
This medication is given only by your veterinarian.
Are there any potential side effects from atracurium?
Atracurium may cause the following side effects:
- Mild skin rash or hives
Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- An allergic reaction, such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face
- Signs of low blood pressure (e.g., lethargy, weakness, pale gums)
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. The effects of this short-acting medication should stop within 35 minutes of discontinuing the medication.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
DO NOT USE atracurium in:
- Pets that are allergic to any component or allergic to other neuromuscular blocking agents
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Pets with a history of heart disease
- Pets with asthma
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Several medications should be used with caution when given with atracurium, including:
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, aminoglycosides)
- Certain heart medications (e.g., atenolol, amlodipine, procainamide)
- Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone)
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
- Neostigmine, pyridostigmine
- Other muscle relaxants (e.g., diazepam, methocarbamol)
- Phenobarbital
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- Your veterinary team will monitor vital signs for the duration of the medication and recovery period.
- Your veterinarian may schedule a follow-up visit after the procedure is complete. In this case, follow your veterinarian’s directions.
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any occur, stop using the medication and contact your veterinarian.
How do I store atracurium?
- Your veterinarian will store the medication according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.
