vecuronium

Generic Name: vecuronium (VEK ue ROE nee um)

Brand names: Vecuronium Bromide, Norcuron

What is vecuronium?

Vecuronium is used to relax the muscles. It works by blocking the signals between your nerves and your muscles.

Vecuronium is given before general anesthesia in preparing you for surgery. Vecuronium helps keep your body still during surgery. It also relaxes your throat so a breathing tube can be more easily inserted before the surgery.

Vecuronium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about vecuronium?

Before receiving vecuronium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease or congestive heart failure, problems with circulation, or a nerve-muscle disorder such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), MS (multiple sclerosis), or muscular dystrophy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

It may take you longer to recover from the effects of vecuronium if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving vecuronium?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to vecuronium.

Before receiving vecuronium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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  myasthenia gravis;

  
  


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  cirrhosis or other liver disease;

  
  


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  a history of kidney disease;

  
  


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  heart disease or congestive heart failure;

  
  


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  problems with circulation; or

  
  


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  a nerve-muscle disorder such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), MS (multiple sclerosis), or muscular dystrophy.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive vecuronium, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Before receiving vecuronium, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is vecuronium given?

Vecuronium is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

Your caregivers will monitor your heart function, blood pressure, and breathing while you are under the effects of vecuronium.

It may take you longer to recover from the effects of vecuronium if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since vecuronium is usually given just for anesthesia, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of vecuronium is unlikely to occur since the medication is given by a doctor. Your vital signs will be closely watched while you are under anesthesia to make sure the medication is not causing any harmful effects.

What should I avoid after receiving vecuronium?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.

Vecuronium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  trouble breathing;

  
  


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  ongoing muscle weakness; or

  
  


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  inability to move your muscles.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  feeling light-headed; or

  
  


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  itching.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Vecuronium Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Anesthesia:

Initial dose: 0.08 to 0.1 mg/kg. Maintenance dose during prolonged surgical procedures: 0.01 to 0.015 mg/kg 25 to 40 minutes later, then as frequently as every 12 to 15 minutes.
Continuous infusion: Initiate with an intubating dose of 80 to 100 mcg/kg followed 20 to 40 minutes later with 0.8 to 1.2 mcg/kg/minute.

What other drugs will affect vecuronium?

There may be other drugs that can interact with vecuronium. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

More vecuronium resources

• Vecuronium Side Effects (in more detail)
• Vecuronium Dosage
• Vecuronium Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Vecuronium Drug Interactions
• Vecuronium Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Vecuronium - Add your own review/rating

• Vecuronium MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Vecuronium Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Norcuron Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Vecuronium Bromide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare vecuronium with other medications

• Anesthesia

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about vecuronium.

See also: vecuronium side effects (in more detail)