Atracrium

dr.joan

5. Atracrium:
Trade name: Tracrium
Pregnancy: (Category C)

Action: muscle relaxant
Uses:
· It is used as an adjunct to general anesthesia or sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU), to relax skeletal muscles, and to facilitate tracheal intubations and mechanical ventilation.
Dose : intravenous injection: 0.3–0.6 mg/kg
Maintenance" intravenous infusion" (0.3–0.6 mg/kg hour)
Contraindications:
· Hypersensitive to atracurium, cisatracurium or benzenesulfonic acid.
Side effects:
· Skin flushing, mild reduction in blood pressure, and difficulty in breathing.
· Very rarely anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can occur when given with one or more anesthetic agents. There have been rare reports of seizures (fits) in ICU patients who usually also had a medical condition that makes them predisposed to having fits, e.g. head injury or brain disease.
Nursing considerations:
· Always assess past history of surgeries and response to anesthesia
· Assess past history, allergies, and medications.
· Assess use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and opioids.
· Close and frequent observation of the patient and all body systems
monitor vital signs, ABCs.
· Monitor for cardiovascular depression, respiratory depression, and complications of anesthesia.

Implement safety measures.