Rocuronium is a medication injected into the vein that relaxes the muscles during surgery or certain procedures, including [intubation](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003449.htm) (insertion of a breathing tube) or [mechanical ventilation](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ventilator) (preparation for a breathing machine). It's given as an add-on therapy to [general anesthesia](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/anesthesia/how-does-anesthesia-work) (medications that help you sleep and prevent you from feeling pain during surgery). Rocuronium is a [neuromuscular blocking agent](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534828/). 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.

rocuronium

Q: 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119267/).

Q: 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](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/anesthesia/how-does-anesthesia-work). 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](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549465/#:~:text=Reversal%20agents%20for%20rocuronium%20include%20anticholinesterases%20and%20sugammadex.&text=Anticholinesterases%20work%20by%20competing%20with,acetylcholine%20receptors%20and%20restoring%20neurotransmission.) of rocuronium.

Generic Zemuron

Used for Anesthesia

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.

Reviewed by:

Yen Nguyen, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 22, 2022

What is Rocuronium?

What is Rocuronium used for?

Muscle relaxation during surgery or procedures for inserting breathing tubes

Drug facts

Common Brands	Zemuron(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	Neuromuscular blocker
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Zemuron(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

Neuromuscular blocker

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about 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.

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.

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.

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.