Atracurium
Atracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used to induce muscle relaxation during surgical procedures and mechanical ventilation. It works by blocking nerve signals at the neuromuscular junction, providing temporary paralysis for procedures requiring controlled muscle relaxation. The medication is metabolized primarily through Hofmann elimination, making it suitable for patients with impaired liver or kidney function.
Atracurium is a short-to-intermediate acting muscle relaxant used during surgery and critical care to facilitate intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M03AC04
- RxNorm
- 1218
- Generic
- Atracurium
- Class
- atc-m03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid if possible, only use when benefits clearly outweigh risks
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when required for maternal safety during delivery or surgery
fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically needed
temporary interruption of breastfeeding for 24 hours after administration recommended
monitor infant for muscle weakness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesreduce dose, use with extreme caution
increased sensitivity in neonates, prolonged recovery possible
continuous neuromuscular monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants childrenweight-based dosing required
standard pediatric dosing protocols apply
neuromuscular function monitoring
geriatric
elderlyconsider dose reduction
increased sensitivity may require lower doses, prolonged effect possible
neuromuscular monitoring essential
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
no significant adjustment needed
primarily eliminated by Hofmann degradation, not renally dependent
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeno significant adjustment needed
metabolism not significantly dependent on hepatic function
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug classification information
Common uses
Therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Mode of action
Used to produce skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery, facilitate endotracheal intubation, and maintain muscle relaxation during mechanical ventilation in critical care settings.
Acts as a competitive antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, blocking the binding of acetylcholine and preventing muscle contraction.
Must be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in controlled settings with monitoring and resuscitation equipment available. Histamine release may occur causing transient hypotension. Reversible with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine. Dosage is individualized based on desired effect, anesthesia method, and patient factors.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy