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Rocuronium or Vecuronium
Rocuronium and vecuronium are neuromuscular blocking agents that competitively bind to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle contraction.
Rocuronium and vecuronium are neuromuscular blocking agents that competitively bind to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle contraction. Used for Facilitation of endotracheal intubation during anesthesia induction, Maintenance of neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Rocuronium or Vecuronium |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Neuromuscular blocking agent (non-depolarizing) |
| Target | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesiology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
These drugs are non-depolarizing (competitive) neuromuscular blockers that antagonize acetylcholine at the motor endplate by occupying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors without activating them. This prevents acetylcholine from binding and initiating muscle contraction, resulting in paralysis. They are used during anesthesia to facilitate intubation and maintain muscle relaxation during surgery.
Approved indications
- Facilitation of endotracheal intubation during anesthesia induction
- Maintenance of neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation
Common side effects
- Prolonged neuromuscular blockade
- Histamine release (rocuronium more than vecuronium)
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Bronchospasm
Key clinical trials
- Continuous Versus 1-min Oscillometric Arterial BP Monitoring (NA)
- Two Video Laryngoscopes (Laringocel® and C-MAC®) for First-Attempt Intubation in Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery (NA)
- SEdation Versus General Anesthesia for Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke (PHASE4)
- Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Sugammadex (MK-8616) for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade in Pediatric Participants Aged Birth to <2 Years (MK-8616-169) (PHASE4)
- Sugammadex Titration in Cardiac Surgery Patients (PHASE4)
- Pharmacokinetics of Understudied Drugs Administered to Children Per Standard of Care
- Clinical Application Value of Remazolam Combined With Sugammadex Sodium in Anesthesia for Endotracheal Surgery Under Bronchoscopy (PHASE4)
- Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade With Sugammadex or Usual Care in Hip Fracture Surgery or Joint (Hip/Knee) Replacement (P07038) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Rocuronium or Vecuronium CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Rocuronium or Vecuronium updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI