section name header

Pronunciation

roe-kyoor-OWN-ee-um

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: neuromuscular blocking agents-nondepolarizing

Indications

High Alert


Action

  • Prevents neuromuscular transmission by blocking the effect of acetylcholine at the myoneural junction. Has no analgesic or anxiolytic properties
Therapeutic effects:
  • Skeletal muscle paralysis.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Following IV administration, absorption is essentially complete.

Distribution: Rapidly distributes into extracellular space.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized and eliminated by the liver.

Half-Life: Infants 3–12 mo: 0.8–1.8 hr; Children 1–3 yr: 0.4–1.8 hr; Children 3–8 yr: 0.5–1.1 hr; Adults: 1.4–2.4 hr ( to 4.3 hr in hepatic impairment and 2.4 hr in renal impairment)

Time/Action Profile

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
IV1 min0.5–1 min (peds) 1–3.7 min (adults)26–40 min (peds) 31 min (adults)*



*Following 0.6 mg/kg dose in adult patients.



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: rash

Resp: bronchospasm

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

IV Administration:

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Zemuron