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Curare (Atracurium)
Atracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that competitively antagonizes acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis.
Atracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that competitively antagonizes acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis. Used for Skeletal muscle relaxation during anesthesia and mechanical ventilation, Facilitation of endotracheal intubation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Curare (Atracurium) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | CHU de Reims |
| Drug class | Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (neuromuscular junction) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Atracurium binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the motor end plate, preventing acetylcholine from binding and triggering muscle contraction. This results in flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles. Atracurium is metabolized by Hofmann elimination (temperature and pH-dependent degradation) and ester hydrolysis, making it suitable for patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
Approved indications
- Skeletal muscle relaxation during anesthesia and mechanical ventilation
- Facilitation of endotracheal intubation
Common side effects
- Histamine release (flushing, hypotension, tachycardia)
- Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
- Anaphylaxis
Key clinical trials
- Sparing in Neuromuscular Blockade in COVID 19 ICU
- Bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Atracurium During Laparoscopic Gynecology Procedures. (PHASE4)
- Curarisation and Intubation Conditions During Videolaryngoscopy With Glidescope Titanium (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Two Neuromuscular Transmission Monitors Based on Acceleromyography: TOF-Watch SX® and TOFScan® (NA)
- Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Laparoscopic Appendicectomy in Children (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Curare (Atracurium) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Curare (Atracurium) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- CHU de Reims portfolio CI