TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE

Other Approved 2012-02-03

Cisatracurium besylate is a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker used as an adjunct to general anesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation in adults and pediatric patients 1 month to 12 years of age. It is also indicated to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery in adults and children (2 to 12 years of age), and for mechanical ventilation in the ICU in adults. Because of its intermediate onset of action, it is not recommended for rapid sequence intubation.

Source: FDA Label • Pfizer

How CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE Works

Cisatracurium besylate works by binding competitively to cholinergic receptors on the motor end-plate to antagonize the action of acetylcholine. This process blocks neuromuscular transmission, resulting in skeletal muscle relaxation. This action can be reversed using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine.

Source: FDA Label
18
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
14
Years on Market

CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE Approval History

2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
73 FDA actions from 2012 to 2025
Nov 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jun 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jun 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE Treats

3 indications

CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE is approved for 3 conditions since its original approval in 2012. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Tracheal intubation
  • Skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery
  • Skeletal muscle relaxation during mechanical ventilation in the ICU
Source: FDA Label

CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE Competitive Set

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MoA expansion candidates

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE

3 of 4

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE PRESERVATIVE FREE
CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE
2 shared
EUGIA PHARMA
Shared indications:
Tracheal intubationSkeletal muscle relaxation during surgery
SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE
SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE
2 shared
BRECKENRIDGE
Shared indications:
Tracheal intubationSkeletal muscle relaxation during surgery
QUELICIN
SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE
1 shared
Pfizer
Shared indications:
Tracheal intubation
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Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT02509078 ROSE results posted PETAL01ROSE 1U01HL123009-01 Ph 3 completed Reevaluation Of Systemic Early Neuromuscular Blockade
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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

CISATRACURIUM BESYLATE is indicated for the treatment of Tracheal intubation; Skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery; Skeletal muscle relaxation during mechanical ventilation in the ICU.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.