rocuronium
Rocuronium is an injectable medication that's used to relax the muscles during surgery or relax your vocal cords for the insertion of a breathing tube. It works fast and is given with other medications that are required for sleep and pain before your procedure.
Last reviewed on June 22, 2022
What is Rocuronium?
What is Rocuronium used for?
Muscle relaxation during surgery or procedures for inserting breathing tubes
How Rocuronium works
Drug Facts
Common BrandsZemuron (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassNeuromuscular blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
Frequently asked questions about Rocuronium
What is rocuronium?
Rocuronium is a medication injected into the vein that relaxes the muscles during surgery or certain procedures, including intubation (insertion of a breathing tube) or mechanical ventilation (preparation for a breathing machine). It's given as an add-on therapy to general anesthesia (medications that help you sleep and prevent you from feeling pain during surgery). Rocuronium is a neuromuscular blocking agent. It works by blocking a chemical in your body that causes your muscles to contract (tighten). Blocking this chemical leads to muscle paralysis (you can't move your muscles) for a short amount of time. Your provider will determine how much rocuronium you'll receive based on your body weight and the procedure you're having.
What are some side effects of rocuronium?
The most common side effect of rocuronium is a temporary change in blood pressure (either higher or lower). While this was the most common side effect reported in clinical studies, it happened in 2% of people who received the medication. Although rare, there are some serious risks, including severe allergic reactions, lasting muscle weakness, and blood circulation problems between the lung and heart.
Do I need to let my provider know anything before my surgery?
Certain medical conditions (e.g., heart problems, conditions causing muscle weakness like myasthenia gravis) and medications can affect how rocuronium works, so let your provider know all of your health problems and current medications before your surgery. Also, let your provider know if you've had an allergic reaction in the past to other medications that relax your muscles during surgery. If the medication is similar to rocuronium, there's a chance that you might be allergic to rocuronium as well.
What happens if too much rocuronium was given?
A trained healthcare provider with experience using rocuronium will give you or your loved one the medication. They will make sure to give the right dose. But in the event that you or a loved one receives too much rocuronium, the medication can paralyze the muscles longer than the time needed for surgery and anesthesia. Your provider can keep the airways open, control ventilation (breathing), and make sure you're still sleeping until your muscles can work again. If you can't get your muscle function back, then your provider can give you medications to reverse the effects of rocuronium.
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What are alternatives to Rocuronium?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rocuronium. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Rocuronium
Used for:
Muscle relaxation during surgery or procedures for inserting breathing tubes
Used for:
Used along with general anesthesia to relax muscles during surgeries or procedures
Used for:
Muscle relaxation during surgery or procedures for inserting breathing tubes
Rocuronium images
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection (NOVAPLUS)
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection (NOVAPLUS)
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Rocuronium Bromide 50mg / 5mL Solution for Injection
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