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NMBA - cisatracurium
Cisatracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that competitively antagonizes acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction to produce skeletal muscle paralysis.
Cisatracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that competitively antagonizes acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction to produce muscle paralysis. Used for Muscle relaxation during general anesthesia for surgical procedures, Facilitation of endotracheal intubation, Muscle relaxation in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care.
At a glance
| Generic name | NMBA - cisatracurium |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | CHU de Reims |
| Drug class | Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesiology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Cisatracurium binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the motor endplate, preventing acetylcholine from binding and triggering muscle contraction. It is metabolized by Hofmann elimination (temperature and pH-dependent degradation) and ester hydrolysis, making it suitable for patients with hepatic or renal impairment. The drug is used during anesthesia to facilitate intubation and maintain muscle relaxation during surgery.
Approved indications
- Skeletal muscle relaxation during anesthesia for intubation and surgery
- Mechanical ventilation support in intensive care settings
Common side effects
- Histamine release (flushing, hypotension, tachycardia)
- Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
- Anaphylaxis
- Bronchospasm
Key clinical trials
- Sparing in Neuromuscular Blockade in COVID 19 ICU
- ELASTANCE: Prospective Physiological Study of Lung Elastance in Recruitment and Derecruitment in Early Onset Mechanically Ventilated ARDS Patients (PHASE3)
- Laparoscopic Surgery and Abdominal Compliance (PHASE4)
- Effects of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NMBA) on the Alteration of Transpulmonary Pressures at the Early Phase of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (PHASE4)
- When Cooling a Patient After Cardiac Arrest, Does Use of a Neuromuscular Blocking Agent Make Your Job Easier?
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:
- NMBA - cisatracurium CI brief — competitive landscape report
- NMBA - cisatracurium updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- CHU de Reims portfolio CI