Generic name: vecuronium [ VEK-ue-ROE-nee-um ]
Brand names: Vecuronium Bromide, Norcuron
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (10 mg; 20 mg), intravenous solution (10 mg/10 mL)
Drug class: Neuromuscular blocking agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 18, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vecuronium?

Vecuronium is used to relax the muscles. It works by blocking the signals between your nerves and your muscles.

Vecuronium is given before general anesthesia in preparing you for surgery. Vecuronium 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 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vecuronium 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. Your caregivers will watch for any serious side effects.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing;

• ongoing muscle weakness; or

• loss of movement in any part of your body.

Common side effects of vecuronium may include:

• 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.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any type of anesthesia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive vecuronium 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 is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• myasthenia gravis;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• a history of kidney disease;

• heart disease or congestive heart failure;

• problems with circulation; or

• 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 will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using vecuronium.

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.

How is vecuronium given?

Vecuronium 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.

It may take you longer to recover from the effects of vecuronium if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since vecuronium is usually given just for anesthesia, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since vecuronium is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving vecuronium?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect vecuronium?

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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