Pancuronium

Pancuronium is a muscle relaxant that is often injected into patients as part of preparation for surgery. This medication helps relax the trachea so that breathing tubes can be inserted as needed during surgical procedures. It is usually given right before anesthesia is administered.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause a severe allergic reaction in some patients. Patients may break out in hives, experience swelling or have difficulty breathing, either during surgery or after they wake up. Doctors should monitor patients carefully for signs of an allergic reaction so they can treat the reaction appropriately.

Pancuronium contains benzyl alcohol, which is toxic to neonatal tissues; thus, this medication should not be used on infants, especially premature babies.

Patients who have myasthenia gravis may experience fatal muscle weakness as a result of taking this medication.