What it does
Pancronium is a medication used to relax muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation.
Commonly used for: muscle relaxation during surgery, muscle relaxation for patients on a ventilator
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 22:00:31 · updated 2026-03-23 04:45:39
About this medicine
Pancronium is a medication used to relax muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation.
What it treats
- muscle relaxation during surgery
- muscle relaxation for patients on a ventilator
How it works
Pancronium works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, causing them to relax.
Who it's for
It is used for patients undergoing surgery or those who need help breathing with a ventilator.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: pancronium
Pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker used primarily as an adjunct to general anesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. It is classified as a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, acting as an antagonist at the neuromuscular junction.
Indications
- Facilitation of endotracheal intubation
- Muscle relaxation during surgical procedures
- Adjuvant therapy in mechanical ventilation
Dosage
Children: Pediatric dosing should be carefully determined based on age, weight, and clinical condition. Consult the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.
Adults: Dosage varies based on the clinical situation and should be determined by the healthcare provider. Refer to clinical guidelines for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Pancuronium works by competitively inhibiting acetylcholine at the motor end plate, preventing the binding of acetylcholine to nicotinic receptors on the skeletal muscle. This blockade inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle, resulting in paralysis. It does not cause depolarization of the muscle membrane and requires reversal after its effects are no longer needed.
Pharmacodynamics
The onset of action for pancuronium is generally within 2 to 3 minutes, with peak effects occurring around 10 to 15 minutes after administration. The duration of action can vary from 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the dose and individual patient factors. Pancuronium can cause cardiovascular effects, such as increased heart rate, due to its vagolytic properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Pancuronium is administered intravenously and is widely distributed in body tissues. It is metabolized primarily by the liver, and its metabolites are excreted in urine. The half-life of pancuronium is approximately 1 to 2 hours in healthy adults. Renal impairment may prolong the duration of action due to decreased clearance.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to pancuronium or any of its components
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe obesity
Adverse effects
- Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Increased heart rate
- Allergic reactions
Interactions
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics may potentiate the neuromuscular blockade
- Calcium channel blockers may enhance the effects of pancuronium
- Anesthetics may interact and alter neuromuscular function
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
- Monitor respiratory function closely during and after administration
- Caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment
Pregnancy
Pancuronium should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Safety in pregnancy has not been established.
Breast-feeding
Pancuronium is excreted in breast milk, caution should be exercised when administered to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Injection: 1 mg/mL solution for injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.