Therapeutic Classification: neuromuscular blocking agents-nondepolarizing
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 312 mo: 0.81.8 hr; Children 13 yr: 0.41.8 hr; Children 38 yr: 0.51.1 hr; Adults: 1.42.4 hr (↑ to 4.3 hr in hepatic impairment and 2.4 hr in renal impairment)
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
- Dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities (should be corrected);
- Fractures or muscle spasm;
- Hyperthermia (↑ duration/intensity of paralysis);
- Significant hepatic impairment;
- Shock;
- Extensive burns (may be more resistant to effects);
- Low plasma pseudocholinesterase levels (may be seen in association with anemia, dehydration, cholinesterase inhibitors/insecticides, severe liver disease, pregnancy, or hereditary predisposition);
- Obese patients;
- OB: Use during pregnancy only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential fetal risk;
- Pedi: Children <3 mo (safety and effectiveness not established)
Exercise Extreme Caution in:
- Neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis (small test dose may be used to assess response).