What is Vecuronium?

Vecuronium is a medication a doctor may use during surgery or for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) to force their muscles to relax. This medication is only given in a clinical setting where doctors and nurses can monitor the patient carefully until all of the drug clears the patient's system. Before surgery, patients should discuss any drug allergies and underlying conditions with the anesthesiologist so he can address any potential conflicts. For patients in the intensive care unit who may not be able to communicate, family members and friends should provide as much information as possible.

This drug is a form of paralytic agent. It works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles so they cannot move. A doctor will administer the drug intravenously, determining the dosage on the basis of the patient's condition and the procedure. Doctors may opt for a continuous drip to keep the patient's muscle movement limited, or a single large dose. Patients with liver disease usually take longer to recover from vecuronium because their livers cannot eliminate it as rapidly.

In surgery, this medication is among the drugs the care team uses to keep the patient heavily sedated or asleep so the surgeon can work safely. Using vecuronium allows the anesthesiologist to insert an endotracheal intubation tube to provide the patient with an appropriate mixture of air and anesthetic gases during surgery. The surgical team monitors the patient for any signs of distress so they can take rapid action if necessary. After surgery, the anesthesiologist can start to reverse the medications to allow the patient to wake up.

In intensive care settings, it is sometimes necessary to intubate a patient who cannot breathe independently. Intubation is uncomfortable, and many patients will fight the tube, even if they are not fully awake and aware. The vecuronium limits muscle movement to prevent the patient from pulling the tube out and keep the airway secure. The doctor can adjust the dose over time to keep the patient under the lightest possible sedation for comfort.

People with a history of neurological or circulatory problems may not be good candidates for vecuronium. A doctor should evaluate the situation carefully and make a decision about how to proceed. Patients who experience any difficulty breathing or trouble moving their muscles after vecuronium should alert a care provider immediately. It is possible the drug may not be completely out of the patient's system and there could be a risk of respiratory crisis.