Pancuronium Bromide and Paresis

• Generic Name: pancuronium
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

Production of skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery after general anesthesia has been induced.

Facilitation of endotracheal intubation; however, a neuromuscular blocking agent with a rapid onset of action (e.g., succinylcholine, rocuronium) generally preferred in emergency situations when rapid intubation is required.

Also used to facilitate mechanical ventilation in the ICU; however, manufacturer states insufficient data available to support dosage recommendations for such use. Whenever neuromuscular blocking agents are used in the ICU, consider benefits versus risks of such therapy and assess patients frequently to determine need for continued paralysis. (See Intensive Care Setting under Cautions.)

Compared with other neuromuscular blocking agents, pancuronium has a slow onset and long duration of action; therefore, not appropriate for emergency intubation but may be used for other indications (e.g., mechanical ventilation in the ICU) in which rapid onset and short duration of action are not as important.

Because of prominent vagolytic effects, generally should not be used in patients with preexisting tachycardia or in patients who cannot tolerate an increase in heart rate (e.g., those with cardiovascular disease).