Consumer medicine information

Cisatracurium Juno

Cisatracurium

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Cisatracurium Juno

Active ingredient

Cisatracurium

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Cisatracurium Juno.

SUMMARY CMI

Cisatracurium Juno

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I given Cisatracurium Juno?

Cisatracurium Juno contains the active ingredient cisatracurium besilate. Cisatracurium Juno is used to relax the body's muscles. Cisatracurium Juno Injection will normally be given to you when you are in surgery, or during other medical procedures. Cisatracurium Juno Injection is only used in conjunction with an anaesthetic, so you will be asleep during the procedure.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I given Cisatracurium Juno? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I am given Cisatracurium Juno?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cisatracurium besilate or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I am given Cisatracurium Juno? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Cisatracurium Juno and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How will I be given Cisatracurium Juno?

  • Cisatracurium Juno is an injection and will be given to you by your doctor.
  • Your doctor will decide how much Cisatracurium Juno you are given

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How will I be given Cisatracurium Juno? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Cisatracurium Juno?

Things you should do
  • If you have any concerns about the use of Cisatracurium Juno, ask your doctor or nurse
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Cisatracurium Juno affects you
Looking after your medicine
  • Cisatracurium Juno should be stored by the hospital's pharmacy between 2° and 8°C. Do not freeze. Store in the original container. Protect from light.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Cisatracurium? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

Some of the side effects are:

  • Flushing of the face and upper body
  • Skin rashes or hives anywhere on the body
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing, collapse or shock

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

Cisatracurium Juno

Active ingredient: cisatracurium besilate

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Cisatracurium Juno. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Cisatracurium Juno.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I given Cisatracurium Juno?
2. What should I know before I am given Cisatracurium Juno?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How will I be given Cisatracurium Juno?
5. What should I know while using Cisatracurium Juno?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I given Cisatracurium Juno?

Cisatracurium Juno contains the active ingredient cisatracurium besilate. Cisatracurium Juno belongs to a group of medicines called neuromuscular blockers.

Cisatracurium Juno works by blocking the effects of one of the body's chemical messengers called acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is involved in muscle contraction. By relaxing your body's muscles Cisatracurium Juno makes it easier for you to be kept asleep (under anaesthesia) or sedation.

Cisatracurium Juno is used to relax the body's muscles.

Cisatracurium Juno will normally be given to you when you are in surgery, or during other medical procedures. Cisatracurium Juno is only used in conjunction with an anaesthetic, so you will be asleep during the procedure

2. What should I know before I am given Cisatracurium Juno?

Warnings

Do not use Cisatracurium Juno if:

  • You are allergic to cisatracurium besilate, atracurium, benzenesulfonic acid or any other muscle relaxants.
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • You suffer from myasthenia gravis, or any other form of neuromuscular disease.
  • You, or a relative have had previous difficulties with anaesthetics.
  • You are allergic to any other muscle relaxant medicine
  • You are taking any other medication, including:
    - Antibiotics
    - Anti-arrhythmics, which are used to control irregular heart or rapid heart beat.
    - Diuretics, used to increase your volume of urine.
    - Magnesium or lithium salts.
    - Phenytoin or carbamazepine (for fits).
    - Any other medicine that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Cisatracurium Juno and affect how it works.

  • Antibiotics.
  • Anti-arrhythmics, which are used to control irregular heart or rapid heartbeat.
  • Diuretics, used to increase your volume of urine.
  • Magnesium or lithium salts.
  • Phenytoin or carbamazepine (for fits)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Cisatracurium Juno.

4. How will I be given Cisatracurium Juno?

How is Cisatracurium Juno given

Cisatracurium Juno is a medicine that is given by injection. Cisatracurium Juno will be administered by an anaesthetist or other highly trained doctor, usually during surgery or other medical procedures. The dosage will vary according to many factors such as body weight and the duration of the procedure.

If you are given too much Cisatracurium Juno

Overdoses of Cisatracurium Juno lead to prolonged relaxation of the body's muscles. This can be readily treated; however, this situation is unlikely to occur as Cisatracurium Juno is only administered by an anaesthetist or other highly trained doctor who will closely monitor your progress.

If you think that you have been given too much Cisatracurium Juno, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using Cisatracurium Juno?

Things you should do

If you have any concerns about the use of Cisatracurium Juno, ask your doctor or nurse

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cisatracurium Juno affects you.

Cisatracurium Juno should be stored by the hospital's pharmacy between 2° and 8°C and protected from light. Do not freeze.

Cisatracurium Juno does not contain any antimicrobial preservative. When diluted, the preparation should be used immediately, and any remaining solution must be discarded within 24 hours following dilution. Looking after your medicine

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

side effects

side effectsWhat to do
  • Flushing of the face and upper body
  • Skin rashes or hives anywhere on the body
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Swelling of eyelids, face, lips mouth or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing, collapse and shock
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

During studies using Cisatracurium Juno less than one patient in every 200 treated experienced these side effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

There is no evidence that Cisatracurium Juno is addictive.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What Cisatracurium Juno contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		Cisatracurium Besilate
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • Benzenesulfonic acid
  • Water for injection

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Cisatracurium Juno looks like

Cisatracurium Juno Injection is a pale yellow or greenish solution.

Cisatracurium Juno Injection 5 mg/2.5mL is presented in glass ampoules. (AUST R 226854)

Cisatracurium Juno Injection 10 mg/5mL is presented in glass ampoules. (AUST R 226857)

Cisatracurium Juno Injection 20 mg/10mL is presented in glass ampoules. (AUST R 226855)

Cisatracurium Juno Injection 150mg/30mL is presented in glass ampoules. (AUST R 226859)

Who distributes Cisatracurium Juno

Juno Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15 – 17 chapel street,
Cremorne,
VIC 3121
Australia

This leaflet was prepared in May 2025.

Published by MIMS July 2025

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Cisatracurium Juno

Active ingredient

Cisatracurium

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Cisatracurium besilate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Cisatracurium besilate is a white to pale yellow powder.
Cisatracurium Juno injection is supplied in two strengths, either 2 mg or 5 mg of cisatracurium (as besilate) per mL. Cisatracurium Juno injection does not contain any preservative and is intended for single patient use only.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Cisatracurium Juno injection is a colourless to pale yellow or greenish solution. It is available in strengths of either 2 mg/mL (ampoules) or 5 mg/mL (vials).

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Cisatracurium Juno injection is indicated for use during surgical and other procedures and in intensive care to relax skeletal muscles, and to facilitate tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is used as an adjunct to general anaesthesia, or sedation in the intensive care unit.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Cisatracurium Juno injection contains no antimicrobial preservative and is intended for single patient use.

Use by intravenous bolus injection.

Adults and adolescents over 12 years.

Tracheal intubation.

The recommended intubation dose of Cisatracurium Juno injection for adults is 0.15 mg/kg bodyweight. This dose produces good to excellent conditions for tracheal intubation 120 seconds following injection.
Higher doses will shorten the time to onset of neuromuscular block. Table 1 summarises mean pharmacodynamic data when cisatracurium besilate was administered at doses of 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight to healthy adult patients during opioid (thiopentone/fentanyl/midazolam) or propofol anaesthesia.
Enflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia may extend the clinically effective duration of an initial dose of Cisatracurium Juno by as much as 15%.

Maintenance.

Neuromuscular block can be extended with maintenance doses of Cisatracurium Juno injection. A dose of 0.03 mg/kg bodyweight provides approximately 20 minutes of additional clinically effective neuromuscular block during opioid or propofol anaesthesia. Consecutive maintenance doses do not result in progressive prolongation of effect.

Spontaneous recovery.

Once spontaneous recovery from neuromuscular block is underway, the rate is independent of the administered dose of Cisatracurium Juno injection. During opioid or propofol anaesthesia the median times from 25 to 75% and from 5 to 95% recovery are approximately 13 and 30 minutes respectively.

Reversal.

Neuromuscular block following the administration of Cisatracurium Juno injection is readily reversible with standard doses of anticholinesterase agents. Following the administration of the reversal agent at an average of 10% T1 recovery, the mean times from 25 to 75% recovery and to full clinical recovery (T4:T1 ratio ≥ 0.7) are approximately 4 and 9 minutes respectively.
Paediatric patients aged 1 month to 12 years.

Tracheal intubation.

As in adults, the recommended intubation dose of Cisatracurium Juno injection is 0.15 mg/kg bodyweight administered rapidly over 5 to 10 seconds. This dose produces good to excellent conditions for tracheal intubation 120 seconds following injection of cisatracurium besilate. Pharmacodynamic data for this dose are presented in Tables 2 and 3. If a shorter clinical duration is required, pharmacodynamic data suggest that a dose of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight may produce similar intubation conditions at 120 to 150 seconds.
In paediatric patients aged 1 month to 12 years, cisatracurium besilate has a shorter clinically effective duration and a faster spontaneous recovery profile than those observed with adults under similar anaesthetic conditions. Small differences in the pharmacodynamic profile were observed between the age ranges 1 to 11 months and 1 to 12 years, which are summarised in Tables 2 and 3. Younger children (1-11 months old) demonstrated a longer mean clinical effective duration, as compared to the older children. However, there was no significant difference in the mean 25-75% recovery indices between the age groups.
Data in Tables 2 and 3 are derived from Study 139-027, an open-label study in ASA I/II paediatric patients aged 1 month to 12 years. For data presented, patients were randomised to N2O/O2/ halothane (n = 90) or N2O/O2/opioid (n = 89) anaesthesia. Within each anaesthetic group patients were stratified into three age groups; 1-11 months, 12-59 months or 60-155 months. Neuromuscular blocking profile was assessed at the adductor pollicis by electromyography.

When Cisatracurium Juno injection is not required for intubation.

A dose of less than 0.15 mg/kg can be used. Pharmacodynamic data for doses of 0.08 and 0.1 mg/kg for paediatric patients aged 2 to 12 years are presented in Table 4.
Data in Table 4 are derived from Study 139-011, an open-label study in ASA I/II paediatric patients aged 2-12 years. Neuromuscular block was assessed at the adductor pollicis by electromyography.
Halothane may be expected to extend the clinically effective duration of a dose of cisatracurium besilate by up to 20%. No information is available on the use of cisatracurium besilate in children during isoflurane or enflurane anaesthesia but these agents may also be expected to extend the clinically effective duration of a dose of cisatracurium besilate by up to 20%.

Maintenance.

Neuromuscular block can be extended with maintenance doses of Cisatracurium Juno injection. A dose of 0.02 mg/kg bodyweight provides approximately 9 minutes of additional clinically effective neuromuscular block during halothane anaesthesia. Consecutive maintenance doses do not result in progressive prolongation of effect.

Spontaneous recovery.

During opioid anaesthesia the median times from 25 to 75% and from 5 to 95% recovery are approximately 10 and 25 minutes respectively.

Reversal.

Neuromuscular block following the administration of Cisatracurium Juno injection is readily reversible with standard doses of anticholinesterase agents. Following the administration of the reversal agent at an average of 13% T1 recovery, the mean times from 25 to 75% recovery and to full clinical recovery (T4: T1 ratio ≥ 0.7) are approximately 2 and 5 minutes respectively.

Use by intravenous infusion.

Adults and paediatric patients aged 1 month to 12 years.

Maintenance of neuromuscular block may be achieved by infusion of Cisatracurium Juno injection. An initial infusion rate of 3 microgram/kg/min (0.18 mg/kg/hr) is recommended to restore 89 to 99% T1 suppression following evidence of spontaneous recovery. After an initial period of stabilisation of neuromuscular block, a rate of 1 to 2 microgram/kg/min (0.06 to 0.12 mg/kg/hr) should be adequate to maintain block in this range in most patients.
Reduction of the infusion rate by up to 40% may be required when Cisatracurium Juno injection is administered during isoflurane or enflurane anaesthesia (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
The infusion rate will depend upon the concentration of cisatracurium besilate in the infusion solution, the desired degree of neuromuscular block and the patient's weight. Table 5 provides guidance for delivery of undiluted Cisatracurium Juno injection 2 mg/mL.
Continuous infusion of cisatracurium besilate is not associated with a progressive increase or decrease in neuromuscular blocking effect.
Following discontinuation of infusion of cisatracurium besilate spontaneous recovery from neuromuscular block proceeds at a rate comparable to that following administration of a single bolus injection.

Neonates aged less than 1 month.

No dosage recommendation for neonates can be made as administration of cisatracurium besilate has not been studied in this patient population.

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Cisatracurium Juno injection may be administered by bolus dose and/or infusion to adult patients in the ICU.
An initial infusion rate of Cisatracurium Juno injection of 3 microgram/kg/min (0.18 mg/kg/hr) is recommended for adult ICU patients. There may be wide interpatient variation in dosage requirements and these may increase or decrease with time. In clinical studies the average infusion rate was 3 microgram/kg/min (range 0.5 to 10.2 microgram/kg/min or 0.03 to 0.6 mg/kg/hr).
The median time to full spontaneous recovery following long-term (up to 6 days) infusion of cisatracurium besilate in ICU patients was approximately 50 minutes (see Table 6).
The recovery profile after infusion of cisatracurium besilate to ICU patients is independent of the duration of infusion.

Elderly.

No dosing alterations are required in elderly patients. In these patients cisatracurium besilate has a similar pharmacodynamic profile to that observed in young adult patients, however, as with other neuromuscular blocking agents, it may have a slightly slower onset.

Renal impairment.

No dosing alterations are required in patients with renal failure. In these patients cisatracurium besilate has a similar pharmacodynamic profile to that observed in patients with normal renal function but it may have a slightly slower onset.

Hepatic impairment.

No dosing alterations are required in patients with end-stage liver disease. In these patients cisatracurium besilate has a similar pharmacodynamic profile to that observed in patients with normal hepatic function but it may have a slightly faster onset.

Cardiovascular disease.

Cisatracurium besilate has been used effectively to provide neuromuscular block in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. When administered by rapid bolus injection (over 5 to 10 seconds) to patients with serious cardiovascular disease, cisatracurium besilate has not been associated with clinically significant cardiovascular effects at any dose studied (up to and including 0.4 mg/kg (8 x ED95)).

Hypothermic cardiac surgery.

There have been no studies of cisatracurium besilate in patients undergoing surgery with induced hypothermia (25° to 28°C). As with other neuromuscular blocking agents, the rate of infusion required to maintain adequate surgical relaxation under these conditions may be expected to be significantly reduced.

Monitoring.

As with other neuromuscular blocking agents, monitoring of neuromuscular function is recommended during the use of Cisatracurium Juno injection in order to individualise dosage requirements.

Instructions for use.

Physical compatibilities.

Diluted cisatracurium besilate is chemically and physically stable for at least 12 hours, when stored in either polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene containers, at concentrations between 0.1 and 2.0 mg/mL in the following infusion solutions:
sodium chloride (0.9% w/v) intravenous infusion;
glucose (5% w/v) intravenous infusion;
sodium chloride (0.18% w/v) and glucose (4% w/v) intravenous infusion;
sodium chloride (0.45% w/v) and glucose (2.5% w/v) intravenous infusion.
The product contains no antimicrobial preservative and therefore should be used immediately on dilution, or failing this should be stored at 2 to 8°C for no more than 24 hours, after which time unused solution should be discarded. Dilution should, therefore, be carried out immediately prior to use. Administration should commence as soon as possible thereafter and any remaining solution should be discarded. Containers of Cisatracurium Juno injection and any syringe containing Cisatracurium Juno injection are for single use in individual patients. At the end of the procedure or at 24 hours following preparation, whichever is the sooner, both the reservoir of Cisatracurium Juno injection and the infusion line must be discarded and replaced as appropriate.
Cisatracurium besilate has been shown to be compatible with the following commonly used peri-operative drugs, when mixed in conditions simulating administration into a running intravenous infusion via a Y-site injection port: alfentanil hydrochloride; droperidol; fentanyl citrate; midazolam hydrochloride.
Where other drugs are administered through the same indwelling needle or cannula as Cisatracurium Juno injection it is recommended that each drug be flushed through with an adequate volume of a suitable intravenous fluid (e.g. sodium chloride intravenous infusion 0.9% w/v).

4.3 Contraindications

Cisatracurium Juno injection is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to cisatracurium besilate, atracurium or benzenesulfonic acid.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Cisatracurium besilate paralyses the respiratory muscles as well as other skeletal muscles but has no effect on consciousness or pain threshold. Cisatracurium Juno injection should only be administered by, or under the supervision of, anaesthetists or other clinicians who are familiar with the use and action of neuromuscular blocking agents. Facilities for tracheal intubation and maintenance of pulmonary ventilation and adequate arterial oxygenation should be available.
Little information is available on the plasma levels and clinical consequences of cisatracurium metabolites that may accumulate during days to weeks of cisatracurium administration in ICU patients. Laudanosine, a major biologically active metabolite of atracurium and cisatracurium without neuromuscular blocking activity, produces transient hypotension and, in higher doses, cerebral excitatory effects (generalised muscle twitching and seizures) when administered to several species of animals. Consistent with the decreased infusion rate requirements of cisatracurium, plasma laudanosine concentrations are approximately one third those following atracurium infusion. There have been rare spontaneous reports of seizures in ICU patients who have received atracurium and other agents. These patients usually had predisposing causes (such as cranial trauma, cerebral oedema, hypoxic encephalopathy, viral encephalitis, uraemia). There are insufficient data to determine whether or not laudanosine contributes to seizures in ICU patients.
Caution should be exercised when administering Cisatracurium Juno injection to patients who have shown allergic hypersensitivity to other neuromuscular blocking agents since a high rate of cross sensitivity (greater than 50%) between neuromuscular agents has been reported.
Cisatracurium besilate does not have significant vagolytic or ganglion blocking properties. Consequently, cisatracurium besilate has no clinically significant effect on heart rate and will not counteract the bradycardia produced by many anaesthetic agents or by vagal stimulation during surgery.
Patients with myasthenia gravis and other forms of neuromuscular disease have shown greatly increased sensitivity to non-depolarising blocking agents. An initial dose of not more than 0.02 mg/kg bodyweight cisatracurium besilate is recommended in these patients.
Rarely, certain drugs may aggravate or unmask latent myasthenia gravis or actually induce a myasthenic syndrome. Increased sensitivity to non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents might result (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Severe acid-base and/or serum electrolyte abnormalities may increase or decrease the sensitivity of patients to neuromuscular blocking agents.
Cisatracurium besilate has not been studied in patients with a history of malignant hyperthermia. Studies in malignant hyperthermia susceptible pigs indicated that cisatracurium besilate does not trigger this syndrome.
Patients with burns have been shown to develop resistance to non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents, including atracurium. The extent of altered response depends upon the size of the burn and the time elapsed since the burn injury. Cisatracurium besilate has not been studied in patients with burns, however, based on its structural similarity to atracurium, the possibility of increased dosing requirements and shortened duration of action must be considered if Cisatracurium Juno is administered to burn patients.
As with other neuromuscular blocking agents, monitoring of neuromuscular function is recommended during the use of Cisatracurium Juno injection in order to individualise dosage requirements.
As with other drugs administered intravenously, when a small vein is selected as the injection site, Cisatracurium Juno injection should be flushed through the vein with a suitable intravenous fluid (e.g. sodium chloride intravenous solution 0.9% w/v).
Cisatracurium Juno injection does not contain an antimicrobial preservative. Dilution should, therefore, be carried out immediately prior to use. Administration should commence as soon as possible thereafter and any remaining solution should be discarded (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Instructions for use).
Cisatracurium Juno is hypotonic and must not be administered into the infusion line of a blood transfusion.
Enflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia may extend the clinically effective duration of an initial dose of cisatracurium besilate by as much as 15% in adults. In children, halothane may be expected to extend the clinically effective duration of a dose of cisatracurium besilate by up to 20%. No information is available on the use of cisatracurium besilate in children during isoflurane or enflurane anaesthesia but these agents may also be expected to extend the clinically effective duration of a dose of Cisatracurium Juno by up to 20%.

Use in hepatic impairment.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Use by intravenous infusion, Hepatic impairment; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Pharmacokinetics in patients with hepatic impairment.

Use in renal impairment.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Use by intravenous infusion, Renal impairment; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Pharmacokinetics in patients with renal impairment.

Use in the elderly.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Use by intravenous infusion, Elderly; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Pharmacokinetics in elderly patients.

Paediatric use.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Use by intravenous bolus injection, Paediatric patients aged 1 month to 12 years, Use by intravenous infusion, Adults and paediatric patients aged 1 month to 12 years; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Pharmacokinetics in paediatric patients.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

A number of drugs have been shown to influence the magnitude and/or duration of action of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.
The following drugs have been shown to increase the effects of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.
Anaesthetics: volatile anaesthetics such as enflurane, isoflurane and halothane (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Ketamine.
Other non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.
Antibiotics, including: the aminoglycosides, polymyxins, spectinomycin, tetracyclines, lincomycin and clindamycin.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs, including: propranolol, calcium channel blockers, lignocaine, procainamide and quinidine.
Diuretics, including: frusemide and possibly thiazides, mannitol and acetazolamide.
Magnesium salts.
Lithium salts.
Ganglion blocking drugs (trimetaphan, hexamethonium).
Prior chronic administration of phenytoin or carbamazepine has been shown to decrease the effects of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.
Prior administration of suxamethonium has no effect on the duration of neuromuscular block following bolus doses of cisatracurium besilate or on infusion rate requirements.
Administration of suxamethonium to prolong the effects of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents may result in a prolonged and complex block which can be difficult to reverse with anticholinesterases.
Rarely, certain drugs may aggravate or unmask latent myasthenia gravis or actually induce a myasthenic syndrome. Increased sensitivity to non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents might result. Such drugs include various antibiotics, beta-blockers (propranolol, oxprenolol), anti-arrhythmic drugs (procainamide, quinidine), anti-rheumatic drugs (chloroquine, penicillamine), trimetaphan, chlorpromazine, steroids, phenytoin and lithium.
Treatment with anticholinesterases, commonly used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease e.g. donepezil, may shorten the duration and diminish the magnitude of neuromuscular blockade with cisatracurium.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
(Category C)
Teratology studies in non-ventilated pregnant rats treated subcutaneously with maximum subparalysing doses (4 mg/kg daily) and in ventilated rats treated intravenously with paralysing doses of cisatracurium (1.0 mg/kg), respectively, revealed no fetal toxicity or teratogenic effects. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of cisatracurium in pregnant women. Because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, cisatracurium should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Doses of 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg cisatracurium given to female beagles undergoing caesarean section resulted in negligible levels of cisatracurium in umbilical vessel blood of neonates and no deleterious effects on the puppies.
 Studies have not been conducted to determine whether cisatracurium or its metabolites are excreted in human or animal milk.
A risk to the breastfed infant cannot be excluded. However, due to the short half-life, an influence on the breastfed infant is not to be expected if the mother restarts breast-feeding after the effects of the substance have worn off. As a precaution breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment and it is recommended to abstain from next breastfeeding for five elimination half-lives of cisatracurium, i.e. for about 3 hours after the last dose or the end of infusion of cisatracurium.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of this registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Observed in clinical trials of surgical patients.

No adverse experiences considered to be reasonably attributable to cisatracurium besilate were reported amongst 937 surgical patients studied during the clinical development programme. The following adverse experiences were judged by investigators during the clinical trials to have a possible causal relationship to administration of cisatracurium besilate:
Incidence greater than 1%. None.
Incidence less than 1%.

Cardiovascular.

Bradycardia (0.4%), hypotension (0.2%), flushing (0.2%).

Respiratory.

Bronchospasm (0.2%).

Dermatological.

Rash (0.1%).

Observed in clinical trials of intensive care unit patients.

Three adverse experiences were reported among 68 ICU patients administered cisatracurium besilate in conjunction with other drugs in clinical studies. One patient experienced bronchospasm, considered possibly attributable to cisatracurium besilate. In one of the two ICU studies, a randomised and double-blind study of ICU patients using TOF neuromuscular monitoring, there were two reports of prolonged recovery (167 and 270 minutes) among 28 patients administered cisatracurium besilate and 13 reports of prolonged recovery (range: 90 minutes to 33 hours) among 30 patients administered vecuronium.

Observed during clinical practice.

In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during post-approval use of cisatracurium besilate in conjunction with one or more anaesthetic agents in clinical practice. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to cisatracurium besilate.

Immune system disorders.

Very rarely: anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic reactions of varying degrees of severity have been observed after the administration of neuromuscular blocking agents including anaphylactic shock. Very rarely, severe anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients receiving cisatracurium in conjunction with one or more anaesthetic agents.

Other reported reactions.

There have been some reports of muscle weakness and/or myopathy following prolonged use of muscle relaxants, including cisatracurium besilate, in severely ill patients in the ICU. Most patients were receiving concomitant corticosteroids.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms and signs.

Prolonged muscle paralysis and its consequences are expected to be the main signs of overdose with Cisatracurium Juno injection.

Management.

It is essential to maintain pulmonary ventilation and arterial oxygenation until adequate spontaneous respiration returns. Full sedation will be required since consciousness is not impaired by Cisatracurium Juno injection. Recovery may be accelerated by the administration of anticholinesterase agents once evidence of spontaneous recovery is present.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Cisatracurium besilate, a stereoisomer of atracurium, is an intermediate duration, nondepolarising benzylisoquinolinium skeletal muscle relaxant. Cisatracurium besilate binds to cholinergic receptors on the motor end-plate to antagonise the action of acetylcholine, resulting in a competitive block of neuromuscular transmission. This action is readily reversed by anticholinesterase agents such as neostigmine.
The ED95 (dose required to produce 95% depression of the twitch response of the adductor pollicis muscle to stimulation of the ulnar nerve) of cisatracurium besilate is estimated to be 0.05 mg/kg bodyweight during opioid anaesthesia (thiopentone, fentanyl, midazolam). The recommended intubation dose for cisatracurium in adults is 3 x ED95, which has a longer clinically effective duration than the recommended intubation dose of atracurium (2 x ED95) (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
The ED95 of cisatracurium besilate in children during halothane anaesthesia is 0.04 mg/kg bodyweight.
Cisatracurium besilate undergoes degradation in the body at physiological pH and temperature by Hofmann elimination to form laudanosine and the monoquaternary acrylate metabolite. The monoquaternary acrylate undergoes hydrolysis by non-specific plasma esterases to form the monoquaternary alcohol metabolite. Elimination of cisatracurium besilate is largely organ independent but the liver and kidneys are primary pathways for the clearance of its metabolites. These metabolites do not possess neuromuscular blocking activity.

Clinical trials.

The cisatracurium clinical development programme was constructed to provide for systematic collection of efficacy and safety data and to ensure exposure to therapeutically relevant doses of cisatracurium in various populations of patients undergoing a diversity of surgical procedures during opioid, propofol or inhalation anaesthesia as well as ICU patients who require neuromuscular blocking agents to facilitate mechanical ventilation. The result was 23 clinical trials conducted in 1295 surgical and ICU patients administered cisatracurium and 255 patients administered control neuromuscular blocking agents (atracurium or vecuronium). A total of 20 of these studies contributed efficacy data and included 1206 patients administered cisatracurium. All studies contributed safety data.
The major populations of patients were classified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classification or New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification as:
Healthy (ASA Class 1 or 2) young adult (aged 18-50 years), elderly adult (aged 65-89) and paediatric patients (aged 1 month-12 years).
Seriously ill (ASA Class 3 or 4) elderly patients or patients with end-stage renal or hepatic disease.
Seriously ill (NYHA Class I to IV) adult patients with serious cardiovascular disease scheduled for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.
Critically ill adult ICU patients requiring neuromuscular blocking agents to facilitate mechanical ventilation.
The studies included 660 healthy adult patients, 236 paediatric patients (aged 2-12 years), 110 paediatric patients (aged 1-23 months), 15 patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD), 17 patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF), 182 patients with serious cardiovascular disease (undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and 68 critically ill patients in the ICU. Forty-eight elderly patients (≥ 65 years) were specifically studied in two studies. Overall, 172 (13%) of the patients administered cisatracurium were ≥ 65 years.
The most common types of surgical procedures were urological (28% of cisatracurium patients) and CABG (14% of cisatracurium patients). Other types of procedures included general surgery (11%), gynaecological (7%), neurosurgical (5%), orthopaedic (8%), oral (3%), plastic (2%), ear, nose and throat (3%) and vascular (1%). ICU patients accounted for 5% of patients administered cisatracurium. There were no obstetric studies.
The clinical development programme acquired substantive data in regard to efficacy and safety of large bolus doses of cisatracurium. The mean clinically effective dose of cisatracurium (ED95) estimated from two dose-response studies of adult patients receiving opioid anaesthesia was 0.05 mg/kg. Of the 1295 patients to whom cisatracurium was administered in clinical trials, 102 (8%) received initial bolus doses < ED95, 649 (50%) received initial bolus doses in the ED95 to 2 x ED95 range, and 515 (40%) received initial doses that exceeded 2 x ED95. ICU patients had neuromuscular block initiated with an infusion and/or bolus dose.
Following the initial dose of cisatracurium, many patients received one or more additional bolus doses, continuous intravenous (iv) infusion, or both to maintain an adequate level of neuromuscular block. The use of cisatracurium by continuous infusion during surgical procedures requiring extended neuromuscular block was investigated in healthy (ASA Class 1 or 2) adult patients in 7 studies. The majority of patients received cisatracurium by infusion during opioid anaesthesia, the duration of infusion ranging from 11-261 minutes. Maintenance dose data for cisatracurium were captured in 6 studies, a total of 154 adult surgical patients being administered 1-21 maintenance doses of 0.03 mg/kg.
The adequacy of intubation conditions following cisatracurium was assessed in 5 studies in a total of 480 patients (aged 1 month to 87 years) administered cisatracurium.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Pharmacokinetics in adult patients.

Non-compartmental pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium besilate are independent of dose in the range studied (0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight; i.e. 2 to 4 x ED95). Population pharmacokinetic modelling confirms and extends these findings up to 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight (8 x ED95). Pharmacokinetic parameters after doses of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight cisatracurium besilate administered to healthy adult surgical patients are summarised in Table 7.

Pharmacokinetics during infusions.

The pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium besilate following infusion of cisatracurium besilate are similar to those following a single bolus injection. Pharmacokinetics were studied in healthy adult surgical patients who received an initial 0.1 mg/kg bolus dose of cisatracurium besilate followed by a maintenance infusion of cisatracurium besilate to maintain 89 to 99% T1 suppression. Mean clearance of cisatracurium besilate was 6.9 mL/kg/min and the elimination half-life was 28 minutes. During infusion of cisatracurium besilate peak plasma concentrations of laudanosine and the monoquaternary alcohol metabolites are approximately 6% and 11% of the parent compound, respectively.
The recovery profile after infusion of cisatracurium besilate is independent of the duration of infusion and is similar to that after single bolus injection.

Pharmacokinetics in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

The pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium besilate in ICU patients receiving prolonged infusion are similar to those in healthy surgical adults receiving infusion or single bolus injection. Mean clearance of cisatracurium besilate was 7.5 mL/kg/min and the elimination half-life was 27 minutes. The recovery profile after infusions of cisatracurium besilate in ICU patients is independent of duration of infusion.
Concentrations of metabolites are higher in ICU patients with abnormal renal and/or hepatic functions (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). These metabolites do not contribute to neuromuscular block.

Pharmacokinetics in elderly patients.

There are no clinically important differences in the pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium besilate in elderly patients. In a comparative study plasma clearance was unaffected by age. Minor differences in volume of distribution (+17%) and half-life (+4 min) did not affect the recovery profile.

Pharmacokinetics in paediatric patients.

No full study has been performed to assess the pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium in paediatric patients.
The population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of cisatracurium were described in 20 healthy paediatric patients during halothane anaesthesia, using the same model developed for healthy adult patients. The clearance was higher in healthy paediatric patients (5.89 mL/min/kg) than in healthy adult patients (4.57 mL/min/kg) during opioid anaesthesia. The rate of equilibration between plasma concentrations and neuromuscular block, as indicated by keo, was faster in healthy paediatric patients receiving halothane anaesthesia (0.1330 minutes-1) than in healthy adult patients receiving opioid anaesthesia (0.0575 minutes-1). The EC50 in healthy paediatric patients (125 nanogram/mL) was similar to the value in healthy adult patients (141 nanogram/mL) during opioid anaesthesia. The minor differences in the pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic parameters of cisatracurium were associated with a faster time to onset and a shorter duration of cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block in paediatric patients.

Pharmacokinetics in patients with renal impairment.

There are no clinically important differences in the pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium besilate in patients with end-stage renal failure. In a comparative study there were no statistically significant or clinically important differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of cisatracurium besilate. The recovery profile of cisatracurium besilate is unchanged in the presence of renal failure.

Pharmacokinetics in patients with hepatic impairment.

There are no clinically important differences in the pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium besilate in patients with end-stage liver disease. In a comparative study of patients undergoing liver transplantation and healthy adults there were small differences in volume of distribution (+21%) and clearance (+16%). There were no differences in the elimination half-life of cisatracurium besilate. The recovery profile was unchanged.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Cisatracurium was evaluated for genotoxic potential in a battery of four tests. It was non-genotoxic in assays for clastogenic activity (in vitro human lymphocyte cytogenetics assay and a rat bone marrow cytogenetics assay) and an Ames Salmonella assay for gene mutations. As was the case with atracurium, the mouse lymphoma assay was positive.

Carcinogenicity.

Carcinogenesis studies have not been performed.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Water for injections and benzenesulfonic acid.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Physical incompatibilities.

Cisatracurium Juno injection is not chemically stable when diluted in Lactated Ringer's injection.
Since cisatracurium besilate is stable only in acidic solutions it should not be mixed in the same syringe, or administered simultaneously through the same needle, with alkaline solutions (e.g. thiopentone). Cisatracurium besilate is not compatible with ketorolac, trometamol or propofol injection emulsion.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store between 2° and 8°C and protected from light. Do not freeze.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Cisatracurium Juno injection 2 mg/mL.

5 x 2.5 mL ampoules.
5 x 5 mL ampoules.
5 x 10 mL ampoules.

Cisatracurium Juno injection 5 mg/mL.

1 x 30 mL vial.
5 x 30 mL vials.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

The chemical name of cisatracurium besilate is (1R,1'R,2R,2'R,) -2,2'- (3,11-dioxo- 4,10- dioxatridecamethylene) bis (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- 6,7-dimethoxy- 2-methyl -1- veratrylisoquinolinium) dibenzenesulfonate. The molecular formula of cisatracurium besilate is C65H82N2O18S2 and it has a molecular weight of 1243.5.

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

96946-42-8.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 - Prescription only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes