Vecuronium
Introduction To Vecuronium
Vecuronium belongs to a group of medicines called muscle relaxants. It is used along with general anesthesia or sedatives to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgical procedures. It is also used to facilitate emergency airway management in patients in intensive care.
Vecuronium is administered by a healthcare professional. You should not self- administer this medicine at home. The dose and duration will depend on what you are taking it for and how well it helps your symptoms.
The most common side effects of this medicine include injection site reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling. Long-term use of this medicine may cause skeletal muscle weakness or even paralysis. You should let your doctor know if the side effects bother you. Your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing the symptoms.
Before using it, to make sure it is safe for you, you should let your doctor know if you have any other medical conditions or disorders. You should also tell your doctor all the other medicines you are using or taking. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctors before using this medicine.
Uses of Vecuronium
- Skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery
Benefits of Vecuronium
Skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery
Vecuronium is used to relax muscles during anesthesia and surgical procedures.
It works by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that are responsible for
rigidity, inflammation or swelling. It effectively relieves muscle stiffness
or spasm, thereby improving muscle movement.
It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-
administered. The dose and duration will be decided by the doctor depending on
the condition you are being treated for. This will help you to go about your
daily activities more easily and have a better, more active, quality of life.
Side effects of Vecuronium
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Vecurofix
- Skin rash
- Increased saliva production
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- High blood pressure
How to use Vecuronium
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Vecuronium works
Vecuronium relaxes the muscles by blocking the impulses from the nerves.
Quick tips
- Vecuronium is given as an injection by healthcare professionals only.
- It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Vecuronium affects you.
- You will be monitored continuously during the treatment to check the effect of the medicine.
- You will be given artificial ventilation until you are able to breathe on your own.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Vecuronium if I’m pregnant?
Vecuronium may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Vecuronium if I’m breastfeeding?
Vecuronium is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Vecuronium safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Vecuronium.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Vecuronium?
Vecuronium may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. As Vecuronium is given as part of a general anesthetic, you may feel tired, weak or dizzy for some time afterward and this affects your ability to drive.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Vecuronium if I have/had kidney diseases?
Vecuronium is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Vecuronium is recommended. However, inform your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Vecuronium if I have/had liver diseases?
Vecuronium should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Vecuronium may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Vecuronium/Vecuronium bromide a controlled substance?
No, Vecuronium is not a controlled substance
Q. Is Vecuronium a sedative?
Vecuronium is a muscle relaxant and not a sedative. However it can be used as additional agent to anesthesia or sedation
Q. Why is Vecuronium used with anesthesia?
Vecuronium is used with anesthesia to make easy placement of flexible plastic tube into the trachea (tracheal intubation) and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery
Q. Does Vecuronium affect pupils/paralyze the gut/cause hypotension/bradycardia?
These effects are rare or of unknown frequency with Vecuronium use. Stop taking Vecuronium and consult your doctor immediately if you experience one or more such symptoms
Q. Does Vecuronium cross the placenta?
Vecuronium crosses the placenta. Please follow advice of your doctor regarding its use
Q. Does vecuronium release histamine/cause histamine release?
Generally, neuromuscular blocking agents release histamine. Animal studies of vecuronium have shown weak capacity of histamine release. However, human studies do not support the data of histamine release
Q. How does Vecuronium work?
Vecuronium works by blocking the signalling process between the nerves and muscles, which results in muscle relaxation.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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