Vecuronium
Vecuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used as an adjunct to general anesthesia. It provides skeletal muscle relaxation by competitively blocking acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, facilitating endotracheal intubation and surgical procedures. It is primarily used in hospital settings during surgery and in intensive care for patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
Vecuronium is a muscle relaxant used during surgery and critical care to temporarily paralyze muscles and facilitate medical procedures.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M03AC03
- RxNorm
- 71535
- Generic
- Vecuronium
- Class
- atc-m03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Vecuronium is used to facilitate endotracheal intubation, provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgical procedures, and maintain muscle paralysis in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care settings. It is particularly useful when some degree of spontaneous respiration is desired.
Vecuronium works by competitively binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. This results in flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles while consciousness remains unaffected.
Vecuronium must only be administered by trained personnel in settings where appropriate monitoring and ventilatory support are available. It should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, as excretion may be affected. Reversal agents such as neostigmine or sugammadex should be available. Temperature, pH changes, and certain medications may alter its duration of action.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy