atracurium

English

Chemical structure of atracurium

Etymology

From atra- (of unknown origin) +‎ -curium (“curare-like substance”).

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌæ.tɹəˈkjʊɹ.i.əm/

Noun

atracurium (uncountable)

1. (pharmacology) 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. It counteracts the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions by binding to the same receptors it acts upon.

Derived terms

• atracurium besilate
• cisatracurium

 

References

• “atracurium”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.