Tag: Hofmann elimination

For non-emergency intubation, an intravenous bolus of atracurium typically provides adequate conditions for muscle relaxation within 2 to 2.5 minutes. Atracurium is an intermediate-acting neuromuscular blocking agent primarily used in surgical procedures and intensive care settings to facilitate medical interventions.

A single bolus dose of cisatracurium (e.g., 2 x ED95) typically has a clinical duration of action of approximately 45 minutes in healthy adults under opioid anesthesia. The precise time it takes for cisatracurium to wear off depends on the administered dose, infusion duration, and various patient-specific factors, but its organ-independent elimination is a key characteristic.

Cisatracurium is predominantly cleared from the body through an organ-independent chemical process known as Hofmann elimination, a unique characteristic that differentiates it from many other neuromuscular blocking agents. This article explores how is cisatracurium cleared and the implications for its use in patients with compromised organ function.

While atracurium is an intermediate-acting neuromuscular blocker, its prolonged use, especially in the ICU, can lead to significant complications [1.2.6]. Understanding what are the prolonged effects of atracurium is critical for patient safety and optimizing recovery.