Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Norcuron
- Neuromuscular Blockers, Nondepolarizing
Description
Parenteral, intermediate-acting, nondepolarizing, neuromuscular blocking agent
Used for an adjunct to general anesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation
Minimal catecholamine and histamine release
Indications
Indicated For muscular relaxation during non-emergent endotracheal intubation.
For muscular relaxation during non-emergent endotracheal intubation.
For neuromuscular blockade during mechanical ventilation in intensive care patients.
For neuromuscular blockade during surgery.
For muscular relaxation during rapid-sequence intubation (RSI)
For the prevention of shaking chills induced by therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Lack of ventilatory support
Neuromuscular disease
Adverse Effects
- Skeletal muscle weakness or paralysis
- Respiratory insufficiency or apnea
- Hypersensitivity reactions associated with histamine release (e.g., bronchospasm, flushing, erythema, acute urticaria, hypotension, tachycardia)
- Itching
- Myositis ossificans (prolonged use)
- Acute quadriplegic myopathy syndrome (prolonged use)
- Less cardiovascular effects than pancuronium or atracurium
Warnings
Additive/synergistic effects if administered with or following an opioid, sedative or anesthetic agent
Severe anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents have been reported; these reactions have, in some cases, been life threatening and fatal; because of the potential severity of these reactions, the necessary precautions, such as the immediate availability of appropriate emergency treatment, should be taken; neuromuscular cross-sensitivity with other nuromuscular blocking agents possible
Some patients may experience prolonged recovery (paralysis) of neuromuscular function
Adequate ventilatory support mandatory, may experience resistance with >25% TBSA burns, may experience increased sensitivity with electrolyte disorders (hyperMg, hypoK, hypoCa)
CAUTION: Hepatobiliary obstruction, renal dysfunction will significantly prolong duration of action
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; effect on nursing infant not known; used during pregnancy only when clearly needed
Maximum Dosage
How supplied
Vecuronium Bromide
powder for injection
- 10mg
- 20mg