Vecuronium is an anesthetic used in the procedure for inserting a breathing apparatus (endotracheal intubation) or during general anesthesia procedures. This medicine should only be given by a doctor in a hospital.
Vecuronium is a muscle relaxant drug that works by blocking nerve stimulation signals from the brain to the muscles, resulting in paralysis or temporary paralysis. That way, operations that require general anesthesia and procedures for installing breathing apparatus can be carried out.
Vecuronium trademark: Ecron
What is Vecuronium
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Neuromuscular blocking agent |
| Benefit | Dope |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Vecuronium for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether vecuronium is absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult a doctor before using this medicine. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Vecuronium
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Vecuronium should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from it myasthenia gravis, liver disease, cirrhosis, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, blood disorders, obesity, or burns.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects after using vecuronium.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Vecuronium
Vecuronium will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous / IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. In general, the following doses of vecuronium will be performed under general anesthesia and installation of a breathing apparatus.
- Mature: The initial dose is 100 mcg/kgBW by injection. Maintenance dose is 20–40 mcg/kgBW by injection or given by infusion at a rate of 0.8–1.4 mcg/kgBW/min.
- Children >7 weeks old until<1 year: The dose is the same as the adult dose, with the maintenance dose starting at a lower dose.
- Children aged 2–10 years: The initial and maintenance dose is the same as the adult dose, with the maintenance dose adjusted to the patient's condition.
For surgical procedures performed after intubation with suxamethonium, the dose is 40–60 mcg/kgBW. Meanwhile, the operating procedure using halothane and neuroleptic anesthesia is 150–400 mcg/kgBW.
How to Use Vecuronium Correctly
Vecuronium will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected into a vein (intravenous / IV) as recommended by the doctor.
This drug can only be used in hospitals. During the vecuronium injection, the doctor will closely monitor the patient's breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure, or heart rate.
Interactions of Vecuronium with Other Drugs
The effects of drug interactions that can occur if vecuronium is used with other drugs are:
- Increased effectiveness of vecuronium when used with enflurane, isoflurane, halothane, lincosamide, aminoglycosides, quinidine, diuretics, lithium, cimetidine, lidocaine, or beta blockers.
- Decreased effectiveness of vecuronium when used with phenytoin, carbamazepine, calcium salts, or potassium salts
Vecuronium Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may arise after using vecuronium are:
- Weak muscles
- Weak breath or shallow breath
- Movement disorders
- Numbness or difficulty moving
- Pain at the injection site
The doctor will monitor the patient's condition during and after the use of vecuranium. Tell your doctor right away if you experience swelling of your eyelids or lips, difficulty breathing, or a itchy, swollen rash on your skin after using vecuranium.
