Drug reference

Vecuronium

Neuromuscular Blocker

Also known as Vecuronium bromide

Neuromuscular Blocker

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

Mildly prolonged maternal neuromuscular

FDA category + note

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Mechanism

Vecuronium, an aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking drug, competitively binds to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This action prevents acetylcholine from binding, thereby blocking nerve impulse transmission. This leads to skeletal muscle relaxation, facilitating various medical procedures.

Indications

Relaxation of abdominal and diaphragm muscles for light anaesthesiaRelaxation of vocal cords for tracheal intubationTracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in intensive care patientsAdjuvant in surgical anesthesia to obtain relaxation of skeletal musclerelax muscles of the jaw, neck, and airway to facilitate laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubationRoutine surgeryIntensive care unitsadjuvant to general anaesthesiaassisted ventilation in critically ill patients

Dosing

Adult: although duration of action is dose-dependent. Drugs with a shorter or intermediate duration of action, such as atracurium besilate and vecuronium bromide p. 1409, are more widely used than those with a longer duration of action, such as pancuronium bromide.…
Pediatric: Commonly administered for short procedures where only a single intubating dose is required

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

2–3 min

Duration

Intermediate (30-40 minutes)

Metabolism

Amino steroids contain ester groups that are hydrolyzed in the liver

Excretion

Hepatic and renal elimination (plasma clearance prolonged by 30-50% in geriatric patients)

Contraindications

Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction

Side effects

Common

Tachycardia

Serious

No significant histamine release
blockade lasting 1–3 days due to accumulation of an active metabolite and/or development of neuropathy (after prolonged infusion for assisted ventilation)