Nimbex

Generic Name: cisatracurium (sis AT ra KURE ee um)

Brand Names: Nimbex

What is Nimbex (cisatracurium)?

Cisatracurium is used to relax the muscles. It works by blocking the signals between your nerves and your muscles.

Cisatracurium is given before general anesthesia in preparing you for surgery. Cisatracurium helps keep your body still during surgery. It also relaxes your throat so a breathing tube can be more easily inserted before the surgery.

Cisatracurium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Nimbex (cisatracurium)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cisatracurium or similar medications used in anesthesia. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to benzyl alcohol.

Before receiving cisatracurium, tell your doctor if you have a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis, paralysis in any part of your body, an electrolyte imbalance, or a history of burn injury.

There may be other drugs that can interact with cisatracurium, especially seizure medication or certain antibiotics. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Nimbex (cisatracurium)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cisatracurium or similar medications used in anesthesia. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to benzyl alcohol.

Before receiving cisatracurium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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  a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;

  
  


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  paralysis in any part of your body;

  
  


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  an electrolyte imbalance; or

  
  


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  a history of burn injury.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether cisatracurium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is cisatracurium given?

Cisatracurium is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

Your caregivers will monitor your heart function, blood pressure, and breathing while you are under the effects of cisatracurium.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cisatracurium is usually given just for anesthesia, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of cisatracurium is unlikely to occur since the medication is given by a doctor. Your vital signs will be closely watched while you are under anesthesia to make sure the medication is not causing any harmful effects.

What should I avoid after receiving Nimbex (cisatracurium)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.

Nimbex (cisatracurium) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  slow heart rate;

  
  


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  noisy breathing, feeling short of breath;

  
  


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  ongoing muscle weakness; or

  
  


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  inability to move your muscles.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  feeling light-headed;

  
  


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  mild itching or skin rash; or

  
  


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  warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Nimbex (cisatracurium)?

Before receiving cisatracurium, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

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  lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);

  
  


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  seizure medication;

  
  


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  heart rhythm medication such as procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl) or quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute);

  
  


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  an antibiotic such as bacitracin (Baci-IM), colistimethate (Coly-Mycin), clindamycin (Cleocin), lincomycin (Lincocin), polymyxin (Colistin), or vancomycin (Vancocin, Vancoled);

  
  


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  a tetracycline antibiotic such as Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap, demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), or minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin); or

  
  


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  an aminoglycoside such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab), netilmicin (Netromycin), paromomycin (Humatin, Paromycin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi).

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cisatracurium. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

More Nimbex resources

• Nimbex Side Effects (in more detail)
• Nimbex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Nimbex Drug Interactions
• Nimbex Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Nimbex - Add your own review/rating

• Nimbex Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Nimbex Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Nimbex MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Nimbex with other medications

• Anesthesia
• Light Anesthesia

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about cisatracurium.

See also: Nimbex side effects (in more detail)