NORCURON

Drug Name: NORCURON

NORCURON DESCRIPTION:
VECURONIUM BROMIDE - INJECTION (veh-kyou-ROW-nee-um)

COMMON NORCURON BRAND NAME(S):
Norcuron

NORCURON SIDE EFFECTS:
Redness at the injection site may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify the doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: prolonged muscle weakness, unusually fast or slow heart rate, dizziness, fever. An allergic reaction to NORCURON is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the patient's doctor.

HOW TO USE NORCURON:
NORCURON: NORCURON is given by vein (IV injection or continuous infusion),under the supervision of a doctor. Your response will be monitored continuously during treatment. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Learn all mixing, dilution and administration/usage instructions in the product package. Follow all recommended safety precautions. Consult the pharmacist if you are unclear about any of the information. The liquid should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, discard the liquid. Make sure needles and medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

NORCURON USES:
NORCURON is used to produce muscle relaxation during surgery and assisted breathing (mechanical ventilation).

NORCURON PRECAUTIONS:
Tell the doctor your medical history, including any allergies, heart disease; lung problems (e.g., asthma, COPD); nerve-muscle conditions (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome); kidney or liver disorders; electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypermagnesemia, hypercalcemia); adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease); or cancer. NORCURON is not recommended for use in newborns when mixed with certain IV fluids (e.g., those containing benzyl alcohol). Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Children 7 weeks to 1 year of age are more sensitive to the effects of NORCURON. Use cautiously. NORCURON should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether NORCURON passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

NORCURON DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell the doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs the patient may use, especially other skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., succinylcholine, pancuronium); inhaled anesthetics (e.g., enflurane, isoflurane); aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin); certain other antibiotics (especially metronidazole, tetracyclines, clindamycin, bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate, colistin, mezlocillin ,piperacillin, vancomycin); magnesium sulfate; seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin); heart drugs such as calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil); trimethaphan, and quinine drugs (e.g., quinine, quinidine). Do not start or stop any medication without doctor or pharmacist approval.

NORCURON OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NORCURON NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED NORCURON DOSE:
If the dose is interrupted, contact the doctor immediately to establish new dosing.

NORCURON STORAGE:
Store the vials at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After mixing and dilution in correct IV fluids, this product should be used within 24 hours. Consult your pharmacist for details on proper storage after dilution with IV fluids.