University of San Carlos

College of Nursing
DRUG STUDY

Name of Drug: Classification Mechanism of Contraindication Route & Dosage Side Effects Nursing
(Generic & Brand Action Responsibilities
Names)
.
Atracurium Neuromuscular blocker Facilitate skeletal • Hypersensitivity Induction CV: Sinus arrest, • Assess Vital Signs
muscle relaxation Dysrhythmias q15mins
(Tracrium) ( depolarizing-ultra
during surgery and Pedia and Adult: • Assess for
short) RESP: Prolong apnea, electrolyte
general Anesthesia bronchospasm, Cyanosis, imbalances
0.4 to 0.5 mg/kg
Respiratory Depression • Monitor I and O
Infant • Administer if IM
EENT: Increased in deltoid muscle
secretions, Increased • Administer IV
0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg intraocular pressure anticholinesterase
Maintenance HEMA: Myoglobulinemia

0.3 to 0.5 mg/kg

Note:
Atracurium is potentiated
by isoflurane or enflurane
anesthesia. The same
initial atracurium besylate
dose of 0.4 to 0.5 mg/kg
may be used for
intubation prior to
administration of these
inhalation agents;
however, if atracurium is
first administered under
steady-state of isoflurane
or enflurane, the initial
atracurium besylate dose
should be reduced by
approximately one-third,
i.e., to 0.25 to 0.35
mg/kg, to adjust for the
potentiating effects of
these anesthetic agents.