atracurium

noun

at·​ra·​cu·​ri·​um ˌa-trə-ˈkyu̇r-ē-əm How to pronounce atracurium (audio)
: a muscle relaxant administered intravenously in the form of its besylate C65H82N2O18S2 especially in conjunction with general anesthesia to facilitate insertion of an endotracheal tube or to relax skeletal muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation

Note: Atracurium counteracts the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions by binding to the same receptors it acts upon.

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Cite this Entry

“Atracurium.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/atracurium. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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