VECURONIUM BROMIDE (NORCURON)

VECURONIUM BROMIDE (NORCURON)

CLASSIFICATION

� Non depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent.

MODE OF ACTION

Non depolarising muscle relaxant. Acts by competing with acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and thus reducing the response to acetylcholine. It�s effect is reversed by anticholinesterase such as neostigmine. Serum half life is 60 - 80 minutes.

INDICATIONS

� Skeletal muscle relaxant for surgical procedures, or enable control in ventilation. VECURONIUM MUST ONLY BE USED IN A SETTING WHERE FACILITIES FOR INTUBATION EXIST, AND WHERE OXYGEN AND SUCTION EQUIPMENT IS AVAILAVBLE.

CONTRA INDICATIONS

� Hypersensitivity to Pancuronium or Vecuronium

PRECAUTIONS

� PATIENTS WHO AE RECEIVING VECURONIUM IN THE ICU SETTING MUST ALSO BE SEDATED

Extreme caution in patient with Myasthenia Gravis or other neuromuscular disorders. Electrolyte imbalances, dehydration and acidosis should be corrected prior to use as they may prolong the effect of Vecuronium. Reduced doses should be used in patients with renal and liver impairment. Hypersensitivity reactions such as bronchospasm, flushing, redness, hypotension, tachycardia, and other reactions commonly associated with histamine release are unlikely to occur.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

� Slight to moderate rise in B.P. � Muscle weakness ranging to paralysis if over dosage or inadequate reversal occurs

PRESENTATION

Vecuronium Bromide 4 mgs in 2 ml ampoule (when reconstituted) 10 mgs in 1 ml vial (when reconstituted)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

ADULTS

Add 60 mgs Vecuronium (6 vials, 10 mgs each) to sterile water for injection to total 60 mls. Final concentration 1 mg/ml. Administer via syringe pump. Usual dose range 0.02 - 0.04 mg/kg.

PAEDIATRICS

Add 3 mg/kg Vecuronium to Water for Injection to total 50 mls. Final concentration 1 ml/hr = 1 mcg/kg/min. Usual dose range 1 - 10- mcg/kg/min. Stat dose to commence 0.1 mg/kg.