rocuronium Health Article

Generic name(s):

rocuronium

Brand name(s):

Zemuron

What is the most important information I should know about rocuronium?

Before receiving rocuronium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, problems with circulation.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

There may be other drugs that can interact with rocuronium, especially seizure medication or certain antibiotics. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

It may take you longer to recover from the effects of rocuronium if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.

What is rocuronium?

Rocuronium is used to relax the muscles. It works by blocking the signals between your nerves and your muscles.

Rocuronium is given before general anesthesia in preparing you for surgery. Rocuronium helps keep your body still during surgery. It also relaxes your throat so a breathing tube can be more easily inserted before the surgery.

Rocuronium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving rocuronium?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to rocuronium.

Before receiving rocuronium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• myasthenia gravis;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• a history of kidney disease;

• heart disease; or

• problems with circulation.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive rocuronium, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Before receiving rocuronium, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is rocuronium given?

Rocuronium is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

Your caregivers will monitor your heart function, blood pressure, and breathing while you are under the effects of rocuronium.

It may take you longer to recover from the effects of rocuronium if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since rocuronium is usually given just for anesthesia, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of rocuronium is unlikely to occur since the medication is given by a doctor. Your vital signs will be closely watched while you are under anesthesia to make sure the medication is not causing any harmful effects.

What should I avoid after receiving rocuronium?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.

What are the possible side effects of rocuronium?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast or uneven heart rate;

• noisy breathing, feeling short of breath;

• ongoing muscle weakness; or

• inability to move your muscles.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• swelling or discomfort where the medicine was injected;

• feeling light-headed; or

• mild itching or skin rash.

This list is not complete, and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects.