Nimbex (cisatracurium besylate)
Nimbex is favored as a best-in-class choice for dogs because cisatracurium undergoes Hofmann elimination and plasma ester hydrolysis, providing predictable intermediate-duration neuromuscular blockade that is independent of hepatic or renal function — an advantage over agents that rely on organ clearance. Compared with atracurium it tends to produce less histamine-mediated hypotension, and while it may be pricier than older generics, its predictable recovery profile can reduce perioperative complications and downstream costs in veterinary practice.
Organ-independent clearance — no kidneys needed
Predictable recovery — steady timer
Organ-independent clearance — no kidneys needed
Predictable recovery — steady timer
Review Summary
"Clinicians report cisatracurium as a reliably predictable neuromuscular blocker with minimal histamine release and useful organ‑independent Hofmann elimination, though onset is slower and cost is higher than some alternatives."
Minimal histamine release — calm response
Cisatracurium undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis, giving predictable recovery in renal or hepatic dysfunction.
Minimal histamine release — calm response
Cisatracurium undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis, giving predictable recovery in renal or hepatic dysfunction.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Nimbex is favored as a best-in-class choice for dogs because cisatracurium undergoes Hofmann elimination and plasma ester hydrolysis, providing predictable intermediate-duration neuromuscular blockade that is independent of hepatic or renal function — an advantage over agents that rely on organ clearance. Compared with atracurium it tends to produce less histamine-mediated hypotension, and while it may be pricier than older generics, its predictable recovery profile can reduce perioperative complications and downstream costs in veterinary practice.
Organ-independent clearance — no kidneys needed
Predictable recovery — steady timer
Minimal histamine release — calm response
Cisatracurium undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis, giving predictable recovery in renal or hepatic dysfunction.
Intermediate-duration non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker with minimal histamine release compared with atracurium.
Organ-independent clearance — no kidneys needed
Predictable recovery — steady timer
Minimal histamine release — calm response
Cisatracurium undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis, giving predictable recovery in renal or hepatic dysfunction.
Intermediate-duration non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker with minimal histamine release compared with atracurium.
$50-150 CAD
Tracrium (atracurium besylate)
Tracrium is a market-leading, cost-effective intermediate-acting non-depolarizing agent commonly used in canine anesthesia because it also undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis, offering reasonable predictability in dogs with organ impairment. Technically it is similar to cisatracurium but is typically less expensive; however, it has a higher propensity for histamine release and transient hemodynamic effects, making it a trade-off between upfront drug cost and hemodynamic stability.
Dual breakdown — two-step vanish
Rapid onset — quick immobilizer
Dual breakdown — two-step vanish
Rapid onset — quick immobilizer
Review Summary
"Atracurium is viewed as effective and familiar for routine cases but often criticized for dose‑dependent histamine release and occasional hemodynamic effects, making it less favored in unstable patients."
Watch histamine — BP spoiler
Atracurium provides intermediate-duration neuromuscular blockade and is commonly available at lower cost.
Watch histamine — BP spoiler
Atracurium provides intermediate-duration neuromuscular blockade and is commonly available at lower cost.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Tracrium is a market-leading, cost-effective intermediate-acting non-depolarizing agent commonly used in canine anesthesia because it also undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis, offering reasonable predictability in dogs with organ impairment. Technically it is similar to cisatracurium but is typically less expensive; however, it has a higher propensity for histamine release and transient hemodynamic effects, making it a trade-off between upfront drug cost and hemodynamic stability.
Dual breakdown — two-step vanish
Rapid onset — quick immobilizer
Watch histamine — BP spoiler
Atracurium provides intermediate-duration neuromuscular blockade and is commonly available at lower cost.
Undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis but can cause more histamine release and transient hypotension than cisatracurium.
Dual breakdown — two-step vanish
Rapid onset — quick immobilizer
Watch histamine — BP spoiler
Atracurium provides intermediate-duration neuromuscular blockade and is commonly available at lower cost.
Undergoes Hofmann elimination and ester hydrolysis but can cause more histamine release and transient hypotension than cisatracurium.
$30-120 CAD
Zemuron (rocuronium bromide)
Zemuron stands out for rapid onset and reliable intubating conditions in dogs, making it the go-to when fast sequence induction is needed; its aminosteroid chemistry allows rapid, dose-dependent blockade. Financially and technically, Zemuron commands a higher unit cost than older agents but pairs uniquely with sugammadex (Bridion) for swift, pharmacologic reversal, which can shorten recovery times and reduce ventilation-associated costs compared with agents lacking a specific reversal.
Fast onset — gets going quick
Sugammadex-reversible — buddy system
Fast onset — gets going quick
Sugammadex-reversible — buddy system
Review Summary
"Rocuronium is widely praised for its rapid onset, predictable depth of blockade and compatibility with sugammadex reversal, making it a go‑to choice for many practitioners despite higher cost."
Stable hemodynamics — gentle on hearts
Rocuronium has a rapid onset suitable for facilitating rapid-sequence intubation in dogs when a non-depolarizing agent is preferred.
Stable hemodynamics — gentle on hearts
Rocuronium has a rapid onset suitable for facilitating rapid-sequence intubation in dogs when a non-depolarizing agent is preferred.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Zemuron stands out for rapid onset and reliable intubating conditions in dogs, making it the go-to when fast sequence induction is needed; its aminosteroid chemistry allows rapid, dose-dependent blockade. Financially and technically, Zemuron commands a higher unit cost than older agents but pairs uniquely with sugammadex (Bridion) for swift, pharmacologic reversal, which can shorten recovery times and reduce ventilation-associated costs compared with agents lacking a specific reversal.
Fast onset — gets going quick
Sugammadex-reversible — buddy system
Stable hemodynamics — gentle on hearts
Rocuronium has a rapid onset suitable for facilitating rapid-sequence intubation in dogs when a non-depolarizing agent is preferred.
Intermediate duration with primarily hepatic clearance, so duration may be prolonged in hepatic impairment.
Fast onset — gets going quick
Sugammadex-reversible — buddy system
Stable hemodynamics — gentle on hearts
Rocuronium has a rapid onset suitable for facilitating rapid-sequence intubation in dogs when a non-depolarizing agent is preferred.
Intermediate duration with primarily hepatic clearance, so duration may be prolonged in hepatic impairment.
$80-220 CAD
Quelicin (succinylcholine chloride)
Quelicin is the prototypical depolarizing, ultrashort-acting agent used for rapid intubation in dogs when immediate muscle relaxation is essential; it is inexpensive per dose and produces very rapid onset and brief duration. Its technical limitations — unpredictable hyperkalemic responses in certain patients, risk of fasciculations, and inability to be reversed by agents like sugammadex — make it a niche choice compared with non-depolarizing drugs that offer safer reversal options and more controlled blockade.
Ultra-rapid onset — blink-and-done
Short duration — quick wake-up
Ultra-rapid onset — blink-and-done
Short duration — quick wake-up
Review Summary
"Succinylcholine is acknowledged for ultra‑rapid onset and short duration but is used cautiously due to risks (hyperkalaemia, bradyarrhythmias, malignant hyperthermia) and many clinicians limit its use."
Fasciculations risk — shake party
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker with very rapid onset and ultra-short duration, often used for brief procedures or intubation.
Fasciculations risk — shake party
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker with very rapid onset and ultra-short duration, often used for brief procedures or intubation.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Quelicin is the prototypical depolarizing, ultrashort-acting agent used for rapid intubation in dogs when immediate muscle relaxation is essential; it is inexpensive per dose and produces very rapid onset and brief duration. Its technical limitations — unpredictable hyperkalemic responses in certain patients, risk of fasciculations, and inability to be reversed by agents like sugammadex — make it a niche choice compared with non-depolarizing drugs that offer safer reversal options and more controlled blockade.
Ultra-rapid onset — blink-and-done
Short duration — quick wake-up
Fasciculations risk — shake party
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker with very rapid onset and ultra-short duration, often used for brief procedures or intubation.
Produces fasciculations and can cause transient hyperkalemia; it is contraindicated in animals with certain neuromuscular or electrolyte disorders.
Ultra-rapid onset — blink-and-done
Short duration — quick wake-up
Fasciculations risk — shake party
Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker with very rapid onset and ultra-short duration, often used for brief procedures or intubation.
Produces fasciculations and can cause transient hyperkalemia; it is contraindicated in animals with certain neuromuscular or electrolyte disorders.
$20-80 CAD
Bridion (sugammadex sodium)
Bridion is a market-leading selective reversal agent that rapidly encapsulates aminosteroid neuromuscular blockers such as rocuronium, enabling prompt recovery of neuromuscular function in dogs and providing a unique safety and workflow advantage over acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Though Bridion is considerably more expensive up front, its technical ability to reliably and quickly reverse deep blockade (especially after rapid-onset agents like Zemuron) can reduce anesthetic time, mechanical ventilation needs, and potential complication costs in veterinary practice.
Encapsulation reversal — molecular hug
Rapid recovery — instant undo
Encapsulation reversal — molecular hug
Rapid recovery — instant undo
Review Summary
"Sugammadex is highly regarded for fast, reliable reversal of steroidal neuromuscular blockers (rocuronium/vecuronium) with predictable recovery, though its high cost and limited veterinary labeling are common drawbacks."
Rocuronium specialist — rocu BFF
Sugammadex selectively encapsulates steroidal neuromuscular blockers (notably rocuronium and vecuronium) to provide rapid and reliable reversal.
Rocuronium specialist — rocu BFF
Sugammadex selectively encapsulates steroidal neuromuscular blockers (notably rocuronium and vecuronium) to provide rapid and reliable reversal.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Bridion is a market-leading selective reversal agent that rapidly encapsulates aminosteroid neuromuscular blockers such as rocuronium, enabling prompt recovery of neuromuscular function in dogs and providing a unique safety and workflow advantage over acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Though Bridion is considerably more expensive up front, its technical ability to reliably and quickly reverse deep blockade (especially after rapid-onset agents like Zemuron) can reduce anesthetic time, mechanical ventilation needs, and potential complication costs in veterinary practice.
Encapsulation reversal — molecular hug
Rapid recovery — instant undo
Rocuronium specialist — rocu BFF
Sugammadex selectively encapsulates steroidal neuromuscular blockers (notably rocuronium and vecuronium) to provide rapid and reliable reversal.
Produces fast recovery of neuromuscular function even from deep blockade, making it valuable for rapid emergence or rescue situations in dogs.
Encapsulation reversal — molecular hug
Rapid recovery — instant undo
Rocuronium specialist — rocu BFF
Sugammadex selectively encapsulates steroidal neuromuscular blockers (notably rocuronium and vecuronium) to provide rapid and reliable reversal.
Produces fast recovery of neuromuscular function even from deep blockade, making it valuable for rapid emergence or rescue situations in dogs.
$250-900 CAD