Vecuronium is a neuromuscular blocker. It works by blocking your brain from sending certain signals to your muscles. This causes your muscles to relax. Vecuronium is given along with [general anesthesia](https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/general-anesthesia/) to help relax and keep your body still during surgery. It's also given to help relax your throat muscles during intubation or while you're on a breathing machine. Vecuronium can be given to infants who are 7 weeks and older.

vecuronium

Q: What muscles does vecuronium affect?

Vecuronium first works on the [smaller muscles](https://www.ismp.org/resources/paralyzed-mistakes-reassess-safety-neuromuscular-blockers-your-facility) like in your face and hands, then it affects the larger muscles in the legs, arms, and middle body. This medication will eventually paralyze your lung muscles, which can make it difficult for you to breathe on your own. That's why vecuronium is only given by experienced healthcare providers in the hospital, so that they can put you on a breathing machine or respond to any emergency after you've received this medication.

Q: Can vecuronium cause severe allergic reactions?

In some rare cases, vecuronium can cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. During your procedure, your provider'll monitor your blood pressure and heart rate. They'll also watch for any signs and symptoms of allergic reactions (rash, hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face) to make sure this medication is safe for you. Let your provider know if you've had allergic reactions to other muscle relaxers in the hospital during previous surgeries or procedures. This means you're more likely to experience an allergic reaction with vecuronium.

Q: Who should be careful about receiving vecuronium?

Since vecuronium relaxes the muscle and can cause muscle weakness, people with a history of muscle problems, such as [myasthenia gravis](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/myasthenia-gravis), should be careful about receiving this medication. Your provider might give you a small test dose of vecuronium before your procedure to check how your body reponds to this medication. In addition, many medical conditions can affect how well vecuronium works in your body. If you have a history of any medical conditions such as kidney, liver, or heart problems, tell your provider before receiving this medication.

Q: What are some side effects of vecuronium?

The most common side effect of vecuronium is muscle weakness for a longer period of time than expected. Typically, your provider will observe you in the hospital to make sure you've completely recovered before sending you home. Rarely, vecuronium can cause breathing difficulty or muscle breakdown. This can cause your recovery to take longer, and you might require rehabilitation. The risk is higher if you've been receiving this medication for a long time in the intensive care unit (ICU). Before being released from the hospital, talk with your provider about what the best recovery plan is for you.

Generic Vecuronium

Used for Anesthesia

Vecuronium is a medication used with general anesthesia to help your muscles relax before surgery, during intubation, and while you're on a breathing machine. This medication is only available in the hospital, and is given as an intravenous (IV) injection by a trained healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 14, 2022

What is Vecuronium?

What is Vecuronium used for?

Used along with general anesthesia to relax muscles during surgeries or procedures

Are you looking for information on rocuronium (Zemuron) or midazolam (Versed) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Norcuron(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

Norcuron(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 Vecuronium

Vecuronium is a neuromuscular blocker. It works by blocking your brain from sending certain signals to your muscles. This causes your muscles to relax. Vecuronium is given along with general anesthesia to help relax and keep your body still during surgery. It's also given to help relax your throat muscles during intubation or while you're on a breathing machine. Vecuronium can be given to infants who are 7 weeks and older.

Vecuronium is injected into the veins by a healthcare provider. It's usually given in a hospital that has the staff and equipments needed to respond to any life-threatening allergic reactions or side effects immediately. The dose for this medication depends on body weight, age, health conditions, and the reason it's being used.

Vecuronium often starts to work within a minute after initial injection. For most people, this medication works best to relax the muscles within 3 to 5 minutes.

Vecuronium first works on the smaller muscles like in your face and hands, then it affects the larger muscles in the legs, arms, and middle body. This medication will eventually paralyze your lung muscles, which can make it difficult for you to breathe on your own. That's why Vecuronium is only given by experienced healthcare providers in the hospital, so that they can put you on a breathing machine or respond to any emergency after you've received this medication.

In some rare cases, Vecuronium can cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. During your procedure, your provider'll monitor your blood pressure and heart rate. They'll also watch for any signs and symptoms of allergic reactions (rash, hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face) to make sure this medication is safe for you. Let your provider know if you've had allergic reactions to other muscle relaxers in the hospital during previous surgeries or procedures. This means you're more likely to experience an allergic reaction with Vecuronium.

Since Vecuronium relaxes the muscle and can cause muscle weakness, people with a history of muscle problems, such as myasthenia gravis, should be careful about receiving this medication. Your provider might give you a small test dose of Vecuronium before your procedure to check how your body reponds to this medication. In addition, many medical conditions can affect how well Vecuronium works in your body. If you have a history of any medical conditions such as kidney, liver, or heart problems, tell your provider before receiving this medication.

The most common side effect of Vecuronium is muscle weakness for a longer period of time than expected. Typically, your provider will observe you in the hospital to make sure you've completely recovered before sending you home. Rarely, Vecuronium can cause breathing difficulty or muscle breakdown. This can cause your recovery to take longer, and you might require rehabilitation. The risk is higher if you've been receiving this medication for a long time in the intensive care unit (ICU). Before being released from the hospital, talk with your provider about what the best recovery plan is for you.