Rocuronium
Description
Rocuronium is a muscle relaxant used during procedures such as an endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. It should be administered only by a qualified healthcare professional. Close monitoring of lung function is necessary during treatment with this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Rocuronium
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling at the injection site
- Chest tightness
- Hiccups
- Pruritus
- Nausea
Uses of Rocuronium
What is it prescribed for?
- Anesthesia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 to 2 minutes of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 30 minutes in case of a 0.6 mg/kg dose and 67 minutes in case of a 1.2 mg/kg dose.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to rocuronium or other neuromuscular blocking agents.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Burns
Patients with burns may require a higher dose of this medicine for an optimal effect.
Electrolyte imbalance
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with electrolyte imbalance due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of electrolytes levels is recommended during treatment with this medicine.
Histamine release
Rocuronium should be used with caution in patients with allergies and asthma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Malignant hyperthermia
Rocuronium should be used with extreme caution in patients with malignant hyperthermia due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Paresis
Patients with paresis may require a higher dose of this medicine for an optimal effect.
QT interval prolongation
The combined use of this medicine with other general anesthetic agents may prolong QT interval in pediatric patients. Appropriate dose adjustments and close monitoring of heart and lung function are recommended during treatment with this medicine.
Resistance
Patients with burns, muscle trauma, severe acid-base and/or electrolyte abnormalities may develop resistance to this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered before surgery by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amlodipine
Gentamicin
Phenytoin
Quinidine
Procainamide
Amikacin
Furosemide
Disease interactions
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a severe liver disease due to the increased risk of serious side effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Myasthenia Gravis
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis due to the increased risk of respiratory paralysis. Close monitoring of such patients for any worsening of the condition is recommended. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Pulmonary insufficiency
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of pulmonary impairment due to the increased risk of respiratory depression and paralysis. Close monitoring of lung function is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Cachexia
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of cachexia due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Seizures
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines including herbs and supplements as well as all your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Rocuronium relaxes the skeletal muscles and helps during procedures such as an endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Neuromuscular blocking agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 22 August 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 22 August 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Rocuronium bromide injection, solution [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 22 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 22 August 2017]. Available from:
Rocuronium - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 22 August 2017]. Available from:
TOXNET [Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 22 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 5 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.