The Sound of Evolution
Cisatracurium
Mechanism of action:
Cisatracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker and belongs to the benzylisoquinolinium class. At the motor end-plate, cisatracurium competitively binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the same binding site as acetylcholine, preventing receptor activation. This blocks the opening of sodium channels, prevents the generation of an end-plate potential, and thereby stops muscle depolarization and contraction.
Reference(s):
1. Szakmany T et al. (2015). Use of cisatracurium in critical care: a review of the literature. Minerva Anestesiol.
2. Bryson HM et al. (1997). Cisatracurium besilate: A review of its pharmacology and clinical potential in anaesthetic practice. Drugs.
3. Kisor DF et al. (1999). Clinical pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium besilate. Clin Pharmacokinet.