cisatracurium

Cisatracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) and one of the ten stereoisomers of atracurium. It acts as a competitive antagonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junction, thereby inhibiting muscle contraction and facilitating endotracheal intubation and skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. A defining clinical characteristic of cisatracurium is its metabolism via **Hofmann elimination**, a spontaneous, organ-independent chemical process that occurs at physiological pH and temperature. This makes the drug particularly advantageous for patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as its clearance is not dependent on these organs. Compared to its parent compound atracurium, cisatracurium has a significantly lower propensity for histamine release, reducing the risk of associated cardiovascular side effects. Beyond its primary anesthetic use, research has explored its potential antitumor properties in colon and ovarian cancers, where it may inhibit progression by upregulating the p53/lincRNA-p21 pathway.

Brand names

NimbexKutai

Other names

cisatracurium besilatecis-atracurium顺式阿曲库铵顺阿曲库铵