Introduction
Neuromuscular blockade is an essential component of caring for the critically ill child. Potential situations requiring neuromuscular blockade include: tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, certain diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, surgery requiring immobility or relaxation of abdominal muscles, and agitation unresponsive to sedation and analgesia. Succinylcholine has long been used for tracheal intubation due to its quick onset of action and short duration. However, in an effort to avoid the adverse reactions associated with succinylcholine, such as arrhythmias and malignant hyperthermia[1,2,3,4], non-depolarizing agents have been investigated for their efficacy during intubation. This review will focus on rocuronium bromide (Zemuron®, an intermediate acting nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker and its role in pediatric intubation.
Pediatr Pharm. 2000;6(10) © 2000 Children's Medical Center, University of Virginia
Cite this: Rocuronium for Tracheal Intubation - Medscape - Oct 01, 2000.
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