FDA greenlights injection to aid tracheal intubation

The Food and Drug Administration last week approved a new drug for facilitating tracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.

FDA said that approving cisatracurium besylate USP 20 mg/10mL injections via an abbreviated new drug application addresses a shortage for a medical product that is in increased demand. The agency noted the drug’s side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, flushing, bronchospasm and rash.