Who can administer
Administration RESTRICTED - see Appendix 1
Important information
- To be used only in a critical care setting for ventilated patients
- AVOID long-term-ICU use given risk of myopathy (particularly when used with corticosteroids)
- As this is a neuromuscular blocker particular care and attention should be focused on the safe storage and distribution of this drug so as to minimise the risk of right patient WRONG DRUG
- For complete information and guidance refer to the manufacturers SPC
- For Y-site compatibility see below
Available preparations
Rocuronium bromide 50mg in 5ml vials (Bowmed)
Reconstitution
Already in solution
Infusion fluids
Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5% (if required)
Methods of intravenous administration
Bolus intravenous injection
- Loading dose only - FLUSH lines following administration to protect against inadvertent delayed bolus in unprotected patient
Continuous Intravenous Infusion - not needed for the indications covered in this monograph
- Use undiluted - 500mg in 50ml via a syringe pump - FLUSH lines following administration to protect against inadvertent delayed bolus in unprotected patient
Dose in adults
Rapid Sequence Intubation (ref SPC, 1)
For other indications- see SPC
Further information
Rapid sequence intubation: doses in excess of 1mg/kg are unlicensed
Storage
- Different brands may carry different storage recommendations in the SPC
- The Ibigen Srl brand should be stored in a refrigerator between 2 to 80C. If left outside the fridge at 250C or less reduce expiry to 12 weeks.
References
Ibigen Srl SPC. September 2022
1. "Rocuronium Drug Information". UpToDate- accessed online 16th Jan 2023
Therapeutic classification
Neuromuscular blocker