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Vecuronium
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Overdosage/Toxicology
Drug Interactions
Stability
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Administration
Monitoring Parameters
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(ve KYOO roe nee um)

U.S. Brand Names
Norcuron®

Generic Available

No


Synonyms
ORG NC 45

Pharmacological Index

Neuromuscular Blocker Agent, Nondepolarizing


Use

Adjunct to anesthesia, to facilitate intubation, and provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to vecuronium


Warnings/Precautions

Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, neuromuscular disease, myasthenia gravis, and the elderly; ventilation must be supported during neuromuscular blockade


Adverse Reactions

<1%: Tachycardia, flushing, edema, hypotension, circulatory collapse, bradycardia, rash, itching, hypersensitivity reaction


Overdosage/Toxicology

Symptoms of overdose include prolonged skeletal muscle weakness and apnea cardiovascular collapse

Use neostigmine, edrophonium, or pyridostigmine with atropine to antagonize skeletal muscle relaxation; support of ventilation and the cardiovascular system through mechanical means, fluids, and pressors may be necessary


Drug Interactions

Increased toxicity/effect with aminoglycosides, ketamine, magnesium sulfate, verapamil, quinidine, clindamycin, furosemide


Stability

Stable for 5 days at room temperature when reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; stable for 24 hours at room temperature when reconstituted with preservative-free sterile water (avoid preservatives in neonates); do not mix with alkaline drugs


Mechanism of Action

Blocks acetylcholine from binding to receptors on motor endplate inhibiting depolarization


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Good intubation conditions within 2.5-3 minutes; maximum neuromuscular blockade within 3-5 minutes

Elimination: Vecuronium bromide and its metabolite(s) appear to be excreted principally in feces via biliary eliminations; the drug and its metabolite(s) are also excreted in urine


Usual Dosage

I.V. (do not administer I.M.):

Children >1 year and Adults: Initial: 0.08-0.1 mg/kg/dose; maintenance: 0.05-0.1 mg/kg/every hour as needed; may be administered with caution as a continuous infusion at 0.075 mg/kg/hour (concern has been raised of drug-induced myopathies in ICU setting)

Note: Children (1-10 years) may require slightly higher initial doses and slightly more frequent supplementation

Dosing adjustment in hepatic impairment: Dose reductions are necessary in patients with liver disease


Administration

Dilute vial to a maximum concentration of 2 mg/mL and give by rapid direct injection; for continuous infusion, dilute to a maximum concentration of 1 mg/mL


Monitoring Parameters

Blood pressure, heart rate


Nursing Implications

Does not alter the patient's state of consciousness; addition of sedation and analgesia are recommended; dilute vial to a maximum concentration of 2 mg/mL and administer by rapid direct injection; for continuous infusion, dilute to a maximum concentration of 1 mg/mL


Dosage Forms

Powder for injection: 10 mg (5 mL, 10 mL)


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