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Brand Names: Zemuron

Generic Name: rocuronium (Pronunciation: ROE kure OH nee um)

• What is rocuronium (Zemuron)?
• What are the possible side effects of rocuronium (Zemuron)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rocuronium (Zemuron)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving rocuronium (Zemuron)?
• How is rocuronium given (Zemuron)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zemuron)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zemuron)?
• What should I avoid after receiving rocuronium (Zemuron)?
• What other drugs will affect rocuronium (Zemuron)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is rocuronium (Zemuron)?

Rocuronium is used to relax the muscles. It works by blocking the signals between your nerves and your muscles.

Rocuronium is given before general anesthesia in preparing you for surgery. Rocuronium helps keep your body still during surgery. It also relaxes your throat so a breathing tube can be more easily inserted before the surgery.

Rocuronium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of rocuronium (Zemuron)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast or uneven heart rate;
• noisy breathing, feeling short of breath;
• ongoing muscle weakness; or
• inability to move your muscles.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• swelling or discomfort where the medicine was injected;
• feeling sleepy or light-headed; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rocuronium (Zemuron)?

Before receiving rocuronium, tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis, cirrhosis or other liver disease, a history of kidney disease, heart disease, a history of "Long QT Syndrome," problems with circulation, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another anesthetic medication.

Before you receive rocuronium, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

There may be other drugs that can interact with rocuronium, especially seizure medication, certain antibiotics, lithium, procainamide, or magnesium. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

It may take you longer to recover from the effects of rocuronium if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you recover from anesthesia.