Vecuronium
Vecuronium
Vecuronium (pronounced vek-yoo-ROH-nee-uhm) is a type of non-depolarizing muscle relaxant used in anesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.
Etymology
The term "Vecuronium" is derived from the combination of the words "vecur" and "onium". "Vecur" is a modification of the word "curare", a type of plant traditionally used to create poison darts in South America, which has muscle relaxant properties. The suffix "-onium" is commonly used in the names of many drugs, particularly those that act on the nervous system.
Pharmacology
Vecuronium works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system to contract muscles. It is classified as a non-depolarizing agent because it does not cause persistent activation of the neuromuscular junction, but instead competes with acetylcholine for the same receptors and thus prevents muscle contraction.
Usage
Vecuronium is often used in a hospital setting, particularly in the operating room and intensive care unit. It is administered intravenously and its effects are usually seen within 2 to 3 minutes. The duration of its action is typically 25 to 40 minutes, but this can be extended if the patient has kidney or liver disease.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vecuronium
- Wikipedia's article - Vecuronium
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