section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

atracurium: a-tra-KYOOR-ee-um

cisatracurium: siss-a-tra-KYOOR-ee-um

pancuronium: pan-cure-OH-nee-yum

rocuronium: roe-kyoor-OWN-ee-um

vecuronium: ve-cure-OH-nee-yum

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: neuromuscular blocking agents-nondepolarizing

Indications ⬆ ⬇

High Alert

Action ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Following IV administration, absorption is essentially complete.

Distribution: Atracurium — Distributes into extracellular space; crosses the placenta. Cisatracurium — Rapidly distributes into extracellular space.Pancuronium — Rapidly distributes into extracellular fluid; small amounts cross the placenta. Rocuronium — Rapidly distributes into extracellular space.Vecuronium — Rapidly distributes in extracellular fluid; minimal penetration of the CNS.

Metabolism/Excretion: Atracurium — Metabolized in plasma; <5% excreted unchanged in urine. Cisatracurium — Undergoes pH-dependent breakdown, which is responsible for 80% of metabolism; remainder eliminated by liver and kidneys. Pancuronium — Excreted mostly unchanged by the kidneys; small amounts are eliminated in bile. Rocuronium — Mostly metabolized and eliminated by the liver. Vecuronium — Some metabolism by the liver (20%), with conversion to at least one active metabolite; 35% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-life: Atracurium — Infants: 20 min; Children: 17 min; Adults: 16 min; Cisatracurium — 22–31 min; Pancuronium — 2 hr; Rocuronium — 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); Vecuronium — Infants: 65 min; Children: 41 min; Adults: 65–75 min (↓ near term in pregnant patients, ↑ in hepatic impairment).

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(neuromuscular blockade)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
Atracurium IV1–4 min3–5 min20–35 min
Cisatracurium IV2–3 min3–5 min28–50 min
Pancuronium IV30–45 sec2–3 min40–60 min
Rocuronium IV1 min0.5–1 min (peds) 1–3.7 min (adults)26–40 min (peds) 31 min (adults)*
Vecuronium IV1–3 min3–5 min30–40 min

*Following 0.6 mg/kg dose in adult patients.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Exercise Extreme Caution in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: atracurium: hypotension.
pancuronium: hypertension.
atracurium, pancuronium: tachycardia.

Derm: rash.
atracurium: skin flushing.

GI: pancuronium: excessive salivation.

Resp: bronchospasm.

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS).

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-Drug:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

see Calculator

Atracurium

Cisatracurium

Pancuronium

Rocuronium

Vecuronium

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Atracurium

(generic available)

Cisatracurium

(generic available)

Pancuronium

(generic available)

Rocuronium

(generic available)

Vecuronium

(generic available)

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

atracurium: Tracrium

cisatracurium: Nimbex

pancuronium: Pavulon

rocuronium: Zemuron

vecuronium: Norcuron

Pot. Nursing Diagnoses ⬆