Anaphylactoid reaction to atracurium.

Atracurium is a new intermediate-acting muscle relaxant, relatively devoid of cardiovascular effect in the clinical dose range. Histamine release is reported in a dose-dependent fashion, but below the threshold for haemodynamic effect within the recommended dose limits. We report a case of an anaphylactoid reaction to a low dose (0.2 mg X kg-1) of atracurium, and discuss the peculiar aspects of this case that predisposed the patient to this event.