Generic name: vecuronium [ vek-ue-roe-nee-um ]
Drug class: Neuromuscular blocking agents
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Vecuronium
What is Vecuronium bromide?
Vecuronium Bromide is used to relax the muscles. It works by blocking the signals between your nerves and your muscles.
Vecuronium Bromide is given before general anesthesia in preparing you for surgery. Vecuronium Bromide helps to keep your body still during surgery. It also relaxes your throat so a breathing tube can be more easily inserted before the surgery.
Vecuronium Bromide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any type of anesthesia.
How should I use Vecuronium bromide
Vecuronium Bromide is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Vecuronium Bromide.
It may take you longer to recover from the effects of Vecuronium Bromide if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.
Before Taking
You should not receive Vecuronium Bromide if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any type of anesthesia.
To make sure Vecuronium Bromide is safe for you, tell your doctor 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.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Vecuronium Bromide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Vecuronium Bromide Bromide.
It is not known whether vecuronium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Vecuronium Bromide Bromide is usually given just for anesthesia, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Since Vecuronium Bromide Bromide is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while using Vecuronium bromide?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Vecuronium bromide side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
You will remain under constant supervision during treatment with Vecuronium Bromide. Your caregivers will watch for any serious side effects.
Tell your caregivers right away if you have:
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weak or shallow breathing;
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ongoing muscle weakness; or
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loss of movement in any part of your body.
Common side effects of Vecuronium Bromide may include:
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muscle weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Vecuronium bromide Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Vecuronium bromide?
Other drugs may interact with vecuronium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.