Pancuronium
 
Presentation
• 4mg in 2ml amp
Pharmacology
• A non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent
Actions
• Blocks transmission of impulses at the neuromuscular junction of striated muscles resulting in skeletal muscle paralysis.
• Due to weak vagolytic action, a slight rise in pulse rate and mean arterial pressure may be expected
Metabolism
• By the kidneys
• Excreted mainly unchanged in the urine
Primary Emergency Indications
• To maintain skeletal muscle paralysis and allow mechanical ventilation in intubated Pts following:
  - Intubation Facilitated Sedation (IFS) Adult Paed,
  - Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) Adult,
  - or during interhospital transport of ventilated Pts.
Contraindications
• Pancuronium must not be given if continuous monitoring of Pt vital signs including pulse oximetry and end tidal CO2 monitoring are not available
• Status Epilepticus
Precautions
• Ensure patency of IV access
• Sedatives must always be administered prior to Pancuronium Bromide
• Endotracheal tube placement, adequacy of ventilation, oxygen saturation, end tidal CO2, pulse and blood pressure must be continuously monitored
• Pts with myasthenia gravis should be given much smaller doses and monitored carefully due to the potential of increased degree of neuromuscular block
• Care should be exercised in Pts with renal impairment
Route of Administration
• IV
Side Effects
• Slight increase in heart rate
• Slight increase in mean arterial pressure
• Localised reaction at injection site (rare)
Special Notes
• Allergic reactions such as urticaria, laryngeal oedema, bronchospasm and anaphylactic shock have been reported.
• Pancuronium Bromide infusions required during interhospital transfers are to be prescribed and signed by the referring hospital medical offcer. The initial dose is usually 0.1mg/kg.
Therapeutic Effect
IV     
Onset:
2-3min
Peak:
8-10min
Duration:
35-45min