Pancuronium acts by interfering with the activity of receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine present in the level of neuromuscular junctions, the points of contact between the nerve and the muscle fibers.
What is Pancuronium?
The pancuronium is a muscle relaxant drug used during surgery performed under general anesthesia in order to facilitate intubation of patients and to obtain relaxation of the skeletal muscles.
How should Pancuronium be taken?
Pancuronium is only administered intravenously and under medical supervision.
Side effects associated with Pancuronium
The main side effect of pancuronium is the prolongation of its action in terms of time required for the surgery during which it is used, which can lead to muscular weakness or even paralysis associated with respiratory insufficiency or apnea.
Other side effects observed after the use of this drug include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and dermatological problems, and in some cases, even severe allergic reactions.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Pancuronium
The use of pancuronium is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to the active substance. Moreover, its use may also be contraindicated in cases of:
- Allergy to other muscle relaxants
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Kidney disease
- Myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular diseases
Pancuronium may also cause serious side effects in infants and preterm infants.
Among the drugs with which this muscle relaxant can interact are included:
- Certain antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, the tetracilcine, bacitracin, polymyxin B, colistin and colistimethate sodium
- Succinylcholine
- Some muscle relaxants
- Some anesthetic gases
- Quinidine
