Neuromuscular blockade caused by vecuronium bromide

Neuromuscular Blockade Caused by Vecuronium Bromide

Vecuronium bromide is a synthetic paralytic agent used for the induction and maintenance of neuromuscular blockade in general anesthesia. Vecuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, meaning that it blocks transmission of signals between the nerve and muscle, without allowing the pulse of sodium ions necessary for a nervous impulse to reach the muscle. The agent needs to be administered intravenously to be effective; when it is, it has an onset time of 30 to 90 seconds and an action of about 40 minutes.

Neuromuscular block caused by vecuronium bromide has several potential effects, both therapeutically useful and, in some cases, negative. The drug may be used to reduce involuntary muscular twitches, spasms, and movements that can complicate surgeries in certain parts of the body; in addition, vecuronium bromide is commonly used to establish conditions of muscle relaxation that make it easier for medical professionals to work inside the body. This agent also may be used to facilitate intubation, as it reduces airway resistance.

In some cases, however, vecuronium bromide causes effects that are less helpful for medical intervention. It may lead to an increase in systemic vascular resistance, in some cases leading to hypertension; in addition, ventilatory depression may occur, leading to decreased air exchange in the lungs. Muscular weakness, hypotension, bradycardia, and prolonged apnea are other potential side effects of the agent.

Potential Serious Side Effects of Vecuronium Bromide

Side effects of vecuronium may range from mild to very serious; the most serious side effects may be cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory collapse, neurotoxicity, bradycardia, and hypertension. Other rare but potentially serious problems include anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, rash, and allergic reactions.

It is important to note that neuromuscular blockade caused by vecuronium bromide can result in increased intraocular pressure and decreased ocular blood flow. This can be particularly dangerous if other drugs affecting the eyes have been administered. For this reason, vecuronium bromide is contraindicated in patients who have already undergone procedures such as ophthalmological surgery.

Neuromuscular block caused by vecuronium bromide can also lead to decreased urinary output, which can be a sign of intoxication. Intoxication is a serious risk of the administration of this drug, as is the potential for neuromuscular block to cause respiratory depression. Patients should always be closely monitored during their time on vecuronium bromide to be sure that dosing levels are carefully maintained and that side effects are being watched for.

Conclusion

Neuromuscular block caused by vecuronium bromide can present a number of potentially serious side effects. For this reason, it is important that physicians carefully weigh the risks and benefits of this drug before deciding on its use. Close monitoring of patients on vecuronium bromide is important to ensure that potential side effects are spotted as soon as possible, and dosing levels should be closely maintained to reduce the risk of intoxication or neuromuscular block-related respiratory depression.