pancuronium bromide /pan′kyərō″nē·əm/ , a skeletal muscle relaxant; a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed as an adjunct to anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug or to other bromides prohibits its use. Ventilation always must be supported during the use of neuromuscular blockers. Patients with renal and hepatic disease require dosage adjustments, and pancuronium is not recommended during pregnancy. Some diseases (e.g., myasthenia gravis) can potentiate the effects of pancuronium, whereas others (e.g., diabetes mellitus) can antagonize the drug’s effects. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The most serious adverse effects are prolonged muscle relaxation and respiratory depression.
