VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

VECURONIUM

Answer 1

Norcuron®

Question 2

Generic/Trade Name

Norcuron®

Answer 2

VECURONIUM

Question 3

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Drug Classification:

Answer 3

Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker

Question 4

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 4

Cholinergic R-antagonist ⇒ competes with ACh at neuromuscular junction and prevents binding so neuromuscular transmission is inhibited

Question 5

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 5

• Onset of Action < 1 minute
• Peak Effects = 3-5 minutes
• Duration of Effect = 25-40 minutes
• Half-Life = 30-80 minutes

Question 6

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Indications & Contraindications

Answer 6

Indications/Field Use:
• Need for temporary paralysis to facilitate endotracheal intubation and muscle tone or seizure activity prevent it

Contraindications:
• Hypersensitivity

Question 7

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 7

Wheezing, respiratory depression, apnea, aspiration

dysrhythmias, bradycardia, sinus arrest

HTN, hypotension

increased intraocular pressure, increased ICP

Question 8

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Adult & Pedi Dose:

Answer 8

(ADULT): 0.08-0.10mg/kg IV, IO

(PEDI): 0.1mg/kg IV, IO

Question 9

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Precautions:

Answer 9

Should be performed by skilled provider only, have rescue airway devices available and resuscitative equipment standing by

Question 10

VECURONIUM (Norcuron®)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 10

Potentiated by:

• lidocaine
• procainamide
• β blockers
• magnesium sulfate
• other neuromuscular blockers