atracurium

Atracurium, which was approved for medical use in 1983, is a medication that is typically used with other medications in order to “provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation” (as mentioned on Wikipedia). According to the same source, this medication works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on skeletal muscles. Acetylcholine, by the way, is a neurotransmitter that functions in the body and the brain of many types of animals. When it comes to the side effects that may occur as a result of using Atracurium, they include skin flushing and low blood pressure. As a matter of fact, this drug has other more serious side effects such as histamine release (i.e. allergic reactions). Based on Wikipedia, “prolonged paralysis may occur in people with conditions like myasthenia gravis.” For those who don’t know what myasthenia gravis is, it is a long-term neuromuscular disease that most commonly affects the muscles of the eyes/face. It is unclear, though, if using Atracurium during pregnancy is safe for the baby. Therefore, you must consult your doctor before using it.