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MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM › MUSCLE RELAXANTS › MUSCLE RELAXANTS, PERIPHERALLY ACTING AGENTS › Other quaternary ammonium compounds
vecuronium
M03AC03
Forms & Strengths
- Powder for injection: 10 mg/vial
- Powder for injection: 20 mg/vial
Adult Dosing
- Endotracheal intubation: 0.08 to 0.1 mg/kg IV initial bolus
- Maintenance: 0.01 to 0.015 mg/kg IV administered approximately 25 to 40 minutes after initial dose, then every 12 to 15 minutes as needed
- Continuous infusion: 0.8 to 1.7 mcg/kg/min following initial loading dose
Pediatric Dosing
- Neonates (term): 0.1 mg/kg IV initial bolus; reduced requirements and prolonged duration may occur
- Infants (1 to 1 year) and Children (>1 year): 0.08 to 0.1 mg/kg IV initial bolus; children may require higher maintenance doses and exhibit more rapid recovery
Indications
- Adjunct to general anesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation
- Provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation
Mechanism of Action
- Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent
- Competitively binds to cholinergic receptors on the motor end-plate, blocking the action of acetylcholine and preventing neuromuscular transmission
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to vecuronium or bromides
- Previous severe anaphylactic reaction to neuromuscular blocking agents
Adverse Reactions
- Prolonged neuromuscular blockade and skeletal muscle weakness
- Hypotension and tachycardia
- Bronchospasm and rash (hypersensitivity reactions)
- Apnea and respiratory depression
Drug Interactions
- Inadvisable or synergistic prolongation with halogenated inhalation anesthetics (isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane)
- Potentiation of neuromuscular blockade by aminoglycosides, polymyxins, magnesium salts, lithium, and loop diuretics
- Prior administration of succinylcholine may significantly prolong duration of action
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use