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Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics/Pharmacokinetics: Rocuronium bromide injection is a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent with a rapid to intermediate onset depending on dose and intermediate duration. It acts by competing for cholinergic receptors at the motor end-plate. This action is antagonized by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine and edrophonium.
On intravenous use plasma concentration of rocuronium follow a three-compartment open model. There is an initial distribution phase with a half-life to 1 to 2 minutes followed by a slower distribution phase with a half-life to 14-18 minutes. It is reported to be about 30% bound to plasma proteins. The elimination half-life is about 1.2 to 1.4 hours. Up to 40% of a dose may be excreted in the urine within 24 hours; rocuronium is also excreted in the bile. The main metabolite of rocuronium, 17-desacetylrocuronium, is reported to have a weak neuromuscular blocking effect.
