Uses of undefined

Pancuronium is administered as an adjuvant to general anesthesia to prepare you for surgery. This medication assists in maintaining your body still by relaxing your skeletal muscles during the surgical procedure. It also facilitates the relaxation of the throat, making inserting a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) easier before surgery. This medication is used as a muscle relaxant in almost all age groups, including adults, adolescents (2-17 years), newborns, and infants (0 days – 23 months).  It is also employed to aid in emergency airway management (mechanical ventilation)  for patients in intensive care.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Pancuronium is available as a 4mg injection. It is given intravenously (into a vein), either as single injections or as a continuous infusion (a drip) by your healthcare provider. Your physician will decide the dosage of this injection based on the severity of your disease and other factors.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Before receiving pancuronium, it is crucial to discuss the following with your healthcare team: any prior allergies to pancuronium or other muscle relaxants, reduced renal function or renal disease, heart or circulatory conditions, fluid accumulation, liver or gallbladder issues, edema (swelling of ankles), diseases affecting nerves and muscles such as polio, myasthenia gravis or Eaton-Lambert syndrome. Transparent communication about your medical history is essential for a safe and effective treatment plan.

Precautions

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before the treatment. Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you are told okay since pancuronium bromide might make you weak or dizzy. Your anesthesia doctor will tell you when it is safe to resume these activities and how long these feelings might last.

Side Effects

Pancuronium can cause some side effects like any other drug. If any side effects occur while you are under anaesthesia, they will be seen and treated by your doctor. Some of the serious side effects are prolonged paralysis (seen in long-term use), bronchospasm/respiratory depression (difficulty breathing), apnea (when you stop breathing), and anaphylaxis (sudden allergic reactions). Seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur. Some of the common side effects are injection site pain and muscle weakness.

Word Of Advice

This medication is intended for use exclusively within the hospital and will be administered by your doctor during your surgical procedure. While receiving pancuronium, your doctor will continuously monitor you to assess its impact. It's important to note that this injection induces muscle relaxation, including your breathing muscles. This means you will require assistance with breathing (artificial ventilation) during and after your surgery until you can resume breathing independently. If you have any concerns or questions, always communicate them with your doctor before taking this medication. Your safety and comfort are our priorities.

Frequently Asked Question

• Is pancuronium indicated for children?
• Yes, Pancuronium is used in adolescents (2-17 years), newborn babies, and infants (0 days – 23 months). However, the dosage may vary from that of adults.

• Why is pancuronium used with anesthesia?
• Pancuronium is used with anesthesia to easily place the flexible plastic tube into the trachea (tracheal intubation) and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery.

• Does pancuronium cause hypotension/bradycardia?
• Vercuronium bromide can rarely cause hypotension or bradycardia. Inform your doctor right away if you experience one or more such symptoms.

• Is pancuronium a sedative?
• Pancuronium is a muscle relaxant and not a sedative. However, it can be used as an additional agent to anesthesia or sedation.

• Does pancuronium paralyze the lungs?
• Very rarely, prolonged paralysis or respiratory depression is seen with the long-term use of pancuronium.