Pancuronium
About
Pancuronium belongs to the group of medicines called skeletal muscle relaxants, which are primarily used to provide muscle relaxation during surgery. Muscle spasm is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms.
Pancuronium contains pancuronium which is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking the nerve impulses in the brain, thereby providing muscle relaxation.
Pancuronium is available in the form of an injection. The healthcare professional gives it during surgery. In some cases, you may experience application site reactions and excess saliva. Most of these side effects of Pancuronium do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Before receiving Pancuronium, inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver, lung, or heart disease or if you have jaundice or lung cancer. Also, inform your doctor if you have a known allergy to the Pancuronium. Inform your doctor if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman before starting the treatment with Pancuronium. Pancuronium is a cold chain medicine, so it must be stored in the refrigerator between 2-8 degrees Celsius.
Uses of Pancuronium
Medicinal Benefits
Pancuronium belongs to the group of medicines called muscle relaxants used to reduce and relieve muscle contraction (excessive tension in the muscles) during surgery, other procedures, and in intensive care. It is also used to calm muscles while on a breathing machine. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on skeletal muscles. An experienced doctor must only give the Pancuronium under carefully controlled conditions. It is used during procedures requiring the patient to be fully anaesthetized (unconscious) or heavily sedated.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pancuronium
- Application site reactions
- Excess saliva production
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before you receive Pancuronium, tell your doctor if you suffer from any of the following conditions: myasthenia gravis ( weakness and rapid fatigue of muscles), myasthenic syndrome (other neuromuscular diseases), or poliomyelitis (polio), if you have fluid retention (swelling around the ankles), if you have cancer, or if you have high blood pressure. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking Pancuronium. Pancuronium should be given with special care in elderly and newborn babies. Do not drive or operate machines until recovered from the muscle relaxant effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dexamethasone (relieves inflammation), and diltiazem (used to prevent chest pain).
Drug-Food Interactions: No known interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Histamine release, liver disease, pulmonary impairment, renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is best to avoid alcohol while taking medication
Pregnancy
cautionAvoid taking Pancuronium if you are pregnant unless prescribed by a doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPancuronium is not used in breastfeeding mothers. However, consult your doctor before taking Pancuronium; your doctor will decide whether Pancuronium can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionPancuronium has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Do not drive or operate machines until recovered from the muscle relaxant effects.
Liver
cautionPancuronium should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Your doctor may adjust the dose of Pancuronium before prescribing.
Kidney
cautionPancuronium should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Your doctor may adjust the dose of Pancuronium before prescribing.
Children
cautionPancuronium use is not recommended in neonates (children under the age of one month). In the case of necessary treatment in newborn or premature newborns the dose has to be significantly lowered.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice-pack or hot-pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
- Stay hydrated, and drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
- Pancuronium must only be given by an experienced healthcare professional under carefully controlled conditions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Muscle spasm (contraction): It is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms. Symptoms include muscle tightness, joint stiffness, unusual posture, difficulty moving, and pain in affected muscles and joints. Muscle relaxants can treat muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants sedate the muscle and help in inhibiting painful contractions. Muscle weakness is common in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Surgical procedures can affect the respiratory muscles through many mechanisms, including thoracoabdominal mechanics (affecting the thorax and the abdomen), reflexes, neuromechanical coupling, and loss of muscular integrity. Impairment of respiratory muscle function after surgery may lead to postoperative complications such as hypoventilation (a state in which a reduced amount of air enters the lungs), hypoxia (an absence of enough oxygen in the tissues), atelectasis (Complete or partial collapse of a lung), and infections, some of which may be life-threatening.
FAQs
Pancuronium contains ‘pancuronium’ that relaxes the muscles by blocking nerve impulses. It is used for skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery.
Pancuronium is a cold chain medicine, so it must be stored in the refrigerator between 2-8 degrees Celsius, or its efficiency might get reduced. Do not freeze.
You are advised to inform your doctor before starting treatment with Pancuronium, especially if you are already on medicines like mivacurium (skeletal muscle relaxant), diazepam (a prescription used to control anxiety), steroid medicines, phenytoin (antiepilepsy medication), strong pain-killers (e.g. narcotics), magnesium sulfate (used in the treatment of constipation).
It has been reported that people receiving Pancuronium experienced breathing difficulties, unusually rapid heartbeat, palpitations or irregular heartbeat, problems with vision in rare cases. So, inform your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above signs.
