GasGasGas - The FRCA Primary Exam Podcast Gas Gas Gas - Atracurium
Oct 17, 2024
Dive into the fascinating world of atracurium! Discover its unique properties and clinical uses, why it's not ideal for rapid sequence induction, and the intricacies of its metabolism through Hofmann elimination. Learn about potential side effects related to histamine release and how to structure answers for drug-related exam questions. Explore the neuromuscular junction, competitive antagonism, and the differences between atracurium and its potent sibling, cis-atracurium. A treasure trove of pharmacological insights awaits!
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Core Properties And Presentation
- Atracurium is a non-depolarizing benzylisoquinolinium neuromuscular blocker that competitively antagonises nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
- It has a 90s–2min onset and 15–35min offset and is presented as a 10mg/mL refrigerated solution at pH 3.25.
Scottish Origin Story
- Atracurium was discovered at Strathclyde University when chemists aimed to create a neuromuscular blocker that degraded in vivo for predictable offset.
- The team sought an alternative to older agents like pancuronium and tubocurarine, leading to atracurium's invention.
Don't Use For Routine RSI
- Avoid using atracurium for rapid sequence intubation unless necessary because intubating conditions are inferior to rocuronium.
- For RSI, choose rocuronium ('the rock') for better intubating conditions.