Rocuronium (roe-kyoor-OH-nee-um)

Relaxes your muscles during surgery or intubation (having a breathing tube put into your throat).

Brand Name(s):

Zemuron

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or emergency room.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if are also using procainamide (Procanabid®, Pronestyl®), quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinaglute®, Quinidex®), or medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra?, Luminal®, Tegretol®). Tell your doctor if you are using any type of antibiotic (especially amikacin, gentamicin, Garamycin®, streptomycin, Neosporin®, polymyxin B, vancomycin, or tetracycline).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, blood circulation problems, myasthenia gravis, or Eaton-Lambert syndrome.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you or a family member have had problems with surgery such as malignant hyperthermia (dangerous increase in body temperature).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Extreme or ongoing muscle weakness.
• Fast or uneven heartbeats.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild skin rash.
• Muscle weakness or stiffness in the days after you receive this medicine.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Pain or swelling where the needle is placed.