Which drugs are dosed based on total body weight in obese patients?

Cisatracurium is correctly identified as a drug that is dosed based on total body weight in obese patients. This neuromuscular blocking agent's dosing is particularly important in the context of obesity because it ensures that sufficient levels of the drug are present to achieve effective neuromuscular blockade. In obese patients, the distribution of body mass affects how drugs are metabolized and distributed throughout the body.

Cisatracurium is a unique neuromuscular blocker that does not rely heavily on renal or hepatic clearance, which allows for its dose to be based on total body weight. Ensuring appropriate dosing in this population helps manage the risk of underdosing, which could lead to insufficient muscle relaxation during procedures requiring intubation or surgery.

On the other hand, other agents like propofol, lidocaine, and remifentanil, while critical drugs in various settings, typically have different dosing strategies for obese individuals. Propofol is often dosed based on ideal body weight or lean body weight due to its distribution characteristics. Lidocaine is usually dosed based on body surface area or ideal body weight to avoid toxicity. Remifentanil is a potent opioid that is generally dosed using lean body weight because