vecuronium bromide-injection, Norcuron

BRAND NAME(S): Norcuron

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to produce muscle relaxation during surgery and assisted breathing (mechanical ventilation).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (IV injection or continuous infusion),under the supervision of a doctor. Your response will be monitored continuously during treatment. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Learn all mixing, dilution and administration/usage instructions in the product package. Follow all recommended safety precautions. Consult the pharmacist if you are unclear about any of the information. The liquid should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, discard the liquid. Make sure needles and medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Redness at the injection site may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify the doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: prolonged muscle weakness, unusually fast or slow heart rate, dizziness, fever. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the patient's doctor.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell the doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, heart disease, lung problems (e.g., asthma, COPD), nerve-muscle conditions (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome), kidney or liver disorders, electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypermagnesemia, hypercalcemia), adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), cancer. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Children 7 weeks to 1 year of age are more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell the doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs the patient may use, especially of: other skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., succinylcholine, pancuronium), inhaled anesthetics (e.g., enflurane, isoflurane), aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), certain other antibiotics (especially metronidazole, tetracyclines, clindamycin, bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate, colistin, mezlocillin, piperacillin, vancomycin), magnesium sulfate, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), heart drugs such as calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil), trimethaphan, quinine drugs (e.g., quinine, quinidine). Do not start or stop any medication without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE: If the dose is interrupted, contact the doctor immediately to establish new dosing.

STORAGE: Store the vials at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After mixing and dilution in correct IV fluids, this product should be used within 24 hours. Consult your pharmacist for details on proper storage after dilution with IV fluids.

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