Neuromuscular blocker (muscle relaxant for surgery)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Cisatracurium is a muscle relaxant given by injection that temporarily paralyzes your muscles so doctors can insert a breathing tube or keep you still during surgery. It works by blocking the signals between your nerves and muscles.
Binds competitively to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, preventing acetylcholine binding and blocking neuromuscular transmission. Undergoes organ-independent elimination via Hofmann elimination (temperature and pH-dependent degradation) and ester hydrolysis, making it suitable for patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
Muscle relaxation during surgery, helping doctors insert a breathing tube (intubation), keeping muscles still during operations that require you not to move
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This does not apply because cisatracurium is only given by a doctor in a hospital during surgery, so you will never need to take or remember doses on your own.
This drug should only be given in a proper hospital with trained staff and breathing equipment, so never accept it outside a medical facility. Make sure you tell your surgeon and anaesthetist about every medicine, herbal remedy, or supplement you are taking before surgery. If you experience prolonged muscle weakness after waking from surgery, alert the medical team immediately.
Some antibiotics like gentamicin and clindamycin can make the muscle-relaxing effect stronger and last longer. Certain heart drugs and blood pressure medicines may also increase its effects. If you are on any medications, tell your doctor before surgery.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Cisatracurium with your other drugs?
Cisatracurium should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk, so always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before any surgery.
Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. In Nigerian conditions, this drug must be kept in a proper hospital refrigerator, as it cannot be stored at room temperature for long periods. Keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.