Atracurium injection

What arese atracurium injection?

ATRACURIUM (Tracrium®) is a muscle relaxant. It relaxes muscles in patients who are having surgery or in patients who are on breathing machines (ventilators). Generic atracurium injection is available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive atracurium?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma or breathing difficulties

• dehydration

• fever

• lung disease

• muscle weakness

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to atracurium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Atracurium is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with atracurium?

• acetazolamide

• capreomycin

• certain antibiotics given by injection

• cisplatin

• edrophonium

• magnesium salts

• medicines for angina or high blood pressure

• medicines for pain

• medicines to control heart rhythm

• neostigmine

• pilocarpine

• polymyxin B

• procaine

• succinylcholine

• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking atracurium?

You will be carefully monitored for side effects while you receive atracurium, and for some time afterwards.

What side effects may I notice from receiving atracurium?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fainting or lightheadedness

• fever

• pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site

• pounding heartbeat

• shortness of breath, wheezing

• unusual muscle weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• flushing (reddening of skin)

• skin rash

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Once returned to room temperature use within fourteen days even if refrigerated. Throw away any unused injection solution.