Cisatracurium Besylate is a musculoskeletal agent that belongs to the group of medications called non-depolarising neuromuscular blockers. FDA approved it on 1st September 2020 for its medical use.

It is used to relax muscles during operations on adults and children over one month of age, including heart surgery. It is also indicated to support mechanical ventilation in the ICU for adult patients.

Your physician or other healthcare professionals will give this injection to you. This injection will be given as a single injection into your vein or as a continuous infusion (slowly) into your vein. Your doctor will decide the dose and frequency of the medicine based on your disease condition, body weight, and other factors. Do not self-administer the medicine.

The common side effects of Cisatracurium Besylate are decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Other serious side effects are severe skin reactions and weak, aching muscles. 

Do not take Cisatracurium Besylate if you are allergic to Cisatracurium Besylate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. This medicine is not recommended in children less than 1-month-old. This medicine can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and increase your risk of seizures. Inform your physician if you have any other neuromuscular diseases because this medicine can increase the risk of residual paralysis in patients with neuromuscular diseases.

Inform your physician if you have muscle weakness, tiredness, or difficulty coordinating your movements. Tell your doctor if you have a history of neuromuscular disease and active skin burn. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. This medicine can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and increase your risk of seizures.

Some strengths of this medicine contain benzyl alcohol and should not be used in premature babies. This medicine may cause Muscle problems, including paralysis, which may be life-threatening, Increased risk of seizures, and malignant hyperthermia (dangerous increase in body temperature). Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

1. Mylan UK healthcare limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on October 2021] [Accessed on 15th June 2023], http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2595/smpc
2. GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on July 2018] [Accessed on 15th June 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/20551Orig1s026lbl.pdf
3. Marieke Kruidering-Hall, Lundy Campbell, Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 474-491.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.