Consumer medicine information

Rocuronium Baxter

Rocuronium bromide

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Rocuronium Baxter

Active ingredient

Rocuronium bromide

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Rocuronium Baxter.

SUMMARY CMI

ROCURONIUM BAXTER

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using ROCURONIUM BAXTER?

ROCURONIUM BAXTER contains the active ingredient rocuronium bromide. ROCURONIUM BAXTER is one of a group of medicines called muscle relaxants. ROCURONIUM BAXTER is used during an operation as part of the general anaesthetic. When you have an operation, your muscles must be completely relaxed. This makes it easier for the surgeon to perform the operation.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using ROCURONIUM BAXTER? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use ROCURONIUM BAXTER?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ROCURONIUM BAXTER or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use ROCURONIUM BAXTER? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with ROCURONIUM BAXTER and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How ROCURONIUM BAXTER is given?

  • ROCURONIUM BAXTER will be given by a doctor. It will not be given to you until you are asleep from the anaesthetic.
  • It will be injected into a vein before and/or during an operation. It will be given as a single injection or continuous infusion.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How ROCURONIUM BAXTER is given? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know after having ROCURONIUM BAXTER?

Driving or using machines
  • Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to drive and operate potentially dangerous machinery after you have been given ROCURONIUM BAXTER.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know after having ROCURONIUM BAXTER? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, ROCURONIUM BAXTER can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Your doctor will discuss these with you and will explain the risks and benefits of using ROCURONIUM BAXTER. When you get ROCURONIUM BAXTER, you can have some serious side effects.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

ROCURONIUM BAXTER

Active ingredient(s): rocuronium bromide

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using ROCURONIUM BAXTER. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using ROCURONIUM BAXTER.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using ROCURONIUM BAXTER?
2. What should I know before I use ROCURONIUM BAXTER?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How ROCURONIUM BAXTER is given?
5. What should I know after having ROCURONIUM BAXTER?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using ROCURONIUM BAXTER?

ROCURONIUM BAXTER contains the active ingredient rocuronium bromide. ROCURONIUM BAXTER is one of a group of medicines called muscle relaxants.

Muscle relaxants are used during an operation as part of the general anaesthetic. When you have an operation, your muscles must be completely relaxed. This makes it easier for the surgeon to perform the operation.

Normally the nerves send messages to the muscles by impulses. ROCURONIUM BAXTER acts by blocking these impulses so the muscles are relaxed. Because the muscles needed for breathing also become relaxed you will need help with your breathing (artificial respiration) during and after your operation until you can breathe on your own.

During the operation the effect of the muscle relaxant is constantly checked and if necessary some more drug is given. At the end of the operation the effects of ROCURONIUM BAXTER are allowed to wear off and you can start breathing on your own. Sometimes another drug is given to help speed this up. ROCURONIUM BAXTER can also be used in Intensive Care to keep your muscles relaxed.

2. What should I know before I use ROCURONIUM BAXTER?

Warnings

Do not use ROCURONIUM BAXTER if:

  • you are allergic to rocuronium bromide, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.

ROCURONIUM BAXTER should not be given to a child under the age of one month. The safety of administration of ROCURONIUM BAXTER has not been established in children under the age of one month.

Before you are given it:

If you are going to have an operation it is important that you discuss the following points with your doctor, since it can influence the way ROCURONIUM BAXTER is given to you.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

  • an allergy to muscle relaxants
  • kidney disease
  • liver or gallbladder disease
  • a heart disease
  • diseases affecting nerves or muscles
  • oedema (local or generalised swelling due to fluid)

Certain medical conditions may affect how ROCURONIUM BAXTER works:

  • low potassium levels in the blood
  • high magnesium levels in the blood
  • low calcium levels in the blood
  • low levels of protein in the blood
  • dehydration
  • too much acid in the blood
  • too much carbon dioxide in the blood
  • general ill-health
  • overweight
  • burns

If you are suffering from any of these conditions your doctor will take this into account when deciding the correct dose of ROCURONIUM BAXTER for you.

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Children and Elderly

ROCURONIUM BAXTER can be used in children (30 days to adolescence) and elderly but your doctor should first assess your medical history.

Elderly (65 years and older) may be at an increased risk of residual paralysis.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you are given ROCURONIUM BAXTER.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may be affected by ROCURONIUM BAXTER, or affect how well it works. These include:

  • anaesthetics, medicines to make you sleep during surgery
  • long term concurrent use of corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines) and ROCURONIUM BAXTER in the Intensive Care Unit
  • antibiotics
  • lithium, a medicine used to treat bipolar disorder
  • medicines used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure (quinidine, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and diuretics (fluid tablets))
  • quinine, a medicine used to treat malaria
  • magnesium salts
  • lignocaine and bupivacaine (local anaesthetics)
  • other muscle relaxants
  • carbamazepine and phenytoin, medicines used to treat epilepsy

You may need to use different amounts of your medicines or take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

If you are taking magnesium sulphate to treat toxaemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia), tell your doctor as the dose of ROCURONIUM BAXTER may need to be reduced.

Your doctor will have a complete list of medicines that may cause problems when used with ROCURONIUM BAXTER
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect ROCURONIUM BAXTER.

4. How ROCURONIUM BAXTER is given?

ROCURONIUM BAXTER will be given by a doctor. It will not be given to you until you are asleep from the anaesthetic.

It will be injected into a vein before and/or during an operation. It will be given as a single injection or continuous infusion.

How much will be given

The usual dose is 0.6 mg rocuronium bromide per kg body weight and the effect lasts 30-40 minutes. During the operation your doctor will check whether ROCURONIUM BAXTER is still working. You may be given additional doses if they are needed.

If you are given too much ROCURONIUM BAXTER

As ROCURONIUM BAXTER doses are carefully worked out and are given by a doctor experienced in its use, it is extremely unlikely that you will be given too much ROCURONIUM BAXTER. However, if this does happen, your doctor will make sure that you continue breathing artificially until you can breathe on your own again. Your doctor may speed-up your recovery by giving you a drug that reverses the effects of ROCURONIUM BAXTER.

5. What should I know after having ROCURONIUM BAXTER?

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how ROCURONIUM BAXTER affects you.
Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to drive and operate potentially dangerous machinery after you have been given ROCURONIUM BAXTER.

Looking after your medicine

ROCURONIUM BAXTER is stored in the hospital.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • flushing
  • pain at injection site
  • irritation at injection site
  • red skin rash or itchy rash
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
Signs and symptoms of cardiovascular problems:
  • fast heart beat
  • dizziness, light-headedness (low blood pressure)
Signs and symptoms of muscle problems:
  • muscle weakness or paralysis
  • aching muscles or weakness, not caused by exercise
Signs and symptoms of lung problems:
  • wheezing, coughing
  • difficulty breathing
Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions:
  • rapid, shallow breathing, cold, clammy skin, a rapid, weak pulse, dizziness, weakness and fainting
  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching, hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
  • severe allergic coronary blood vessels spasm (Kounis syndrome) resulting in chest pain (angina) or heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Signs and symptoms of problems in other organs:
  • sudden fever with rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and stiffness, pain and/or weakness in your muscles
  • Dilated pupils (mydriasis) or fixed pupils
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What ROCURONIUM BAXTER contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		Rocuronium bromide
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		Sodium acetate
sodium chloride
glacial acetic acid
sodium hydroxide
water for injections

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What ROCURONIUM BAXTER looks like

ROCURONIUM BAXTER is a clear, colourless to yellow or orange solution in a vial.

ROCURONIUM BAXTER 50 mg/5 mL injection is available in packs of 10 vials (AUST R 169601).

ROCURONIUM BAXTER 100 mg/10 mL injection is available in packs of 10 vials (AUST R 169603).

Who distributes ROCURONIUM BAXTER

Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd
1 Baxter Drive
Old Toongabbie
NSW 2146

This leaflet was prepared in January 2023.

Published by MIMS February 2025

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Rocuronium Baxter

Active ingredient

Rocuronium bromide

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Rocuronium bromide.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Rocuronium Baxter 50 mg/5 mL.

5 mL of solution contains 50 mg rocuronium bromide.

Rocuronium Baxter 100 mg/10 mL.

10 mL of solution contains 100 mg rocuronium bromide.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Rocuronium Baxter is a clear, colourless to yellow or orange solution.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Adjunct to general anaesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation during routine induction, to provide muscle relaxation and to facilitate mechanical ventilation in adults, children and infants over 1 month of age.
Adjunct to general anaesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation during rapid sequence induction when suxamethonium is contraindicated, however, this has not been studied in infants and children.
Rocuronium is also indicated as an adjunct in the intensive care unit (ICU) to facilitate mechanical ventilation.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Rocuronium Baxter is administered by intravenous bolus or infusion
Like other neuromuscular blocking agents, Rocuronium Baxter should only be administered by, or under supervision of, experienced clinicians who are familiar with the action and use of these drugs.
The product is for single patient use and contains no antimicrobial agent.
As with other neuromuscular blocking agents, the dosage of rocuronium bromide should be individualised in each patient. The anaesthetic method used, the duration of surgery, the method of sedation and the expected duration of mechanical ventilation, the possible interaction with other drugs that are administered concomitantly and the condition of the patient should be taken into account when determining the dose. The use of an appropriate neuromuscular monitoring technique is recommended for evaluation of the neuromuscular block and the recovery.
Inhalational anaesthetics do potentiate the activity of rocuronium. This potentiation, however, becomes clinically relevant in the course of anaesthesia when the volatile agents have reached the tissue concentrations required for this interaction. Consequently, adjustments with rocuronium bromide should be made by administering smaller maintenance doses at less frequent intervals or by using lower infusion rates of rocuronium bromide during long lasting procedures (longer than one hour) under inhalational anaesthesia (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Risk of medication errors.

Accidental administration of neuromuscular blocking agents may result in serious adverse events, including fatal outcomes. Store Rocuronium Baxter with the cap and ferrule intact and in a manner that minimizes the possibility of selecting the wrong product (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
In adult patients the following dosage recommendations may serve as a general guideline for tracheal intubation and muscle relaxation for short to long lasting surgical procedures and for use in the intensive care unit.

Surgical procedures.

Tracheal intubation.

The standard intubating dose during routine anaesthesia is rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg.kg-1. This dose can also be used for facilitating intubation during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia. However, as part of a rapid sequence induction technique, a dose of rocuronium bromide 1.0 mg.kg-1 is recommended.

Higher doses.

Should there be a reason for selection of larger doses in individual patients, initial doses up to rocuronium bromide 2 mg.kg-1 have been administered during surgery without adverse cardiovascular effects being noted. The use of these high dosages of rocuronium decreases the onset time and increases the duration of action (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties).

Maintenance dose.

Rocuronium bromide 0.15 mg.kg-1; in the case of long-term inhalational anaesthesia, this should be reduced to rocuronium bromide 0.075 to 0.1 mg.kg-1. The maintenance doses should best be given when twitch height has recovered to 25% of control twitch height, or when two to three responses to train of four stimulation are present.

Continuous infusion.

A loading dose of 0.6 mg/kg is recommended. When neuromuscular block starts to recover, the infusion should be started and the rate adjusted to maintain twitch response at 10% of control twitch height or to maintain one to two responses to train of four stimulation.
In adults under intravenous anaesthesia, the infusion rate required to maintain neuromuscular block at this level ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg/hour and under inhalational anaesthesia, the infusion rate ranges from 0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg/hour. Continuous monitoring of the degree of blockade is recommended since infusion rate requirements vary from patient to patient and with the anaesthetic method used.

Paediatric patients.

For infants (28 days to 23 months), children (2 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 18 years) the recommended intubation dose during routine anaesthesia and maintenance dose are similar to those in adults.
For continuous infusion in paediatrics, the infusion rates, with exception of children, are the same as for adults. For children higher infusion rates might be necessary. For children the same initial infusion rates as for adults are recommended and this should be adjusted to maintain twitch response at 10% of control twitch height or to maintain one or two responses to train of four stimulation during the procedure.
During continuous infusion in paediatric patients, dose and infusion rate must be carefully monitored and adjusted if necessary to allow for age related differences in pharmacokinetics. There are no data to support recommendations for the use of rocuronium bromide in neonates (0 to 1 month).
The experience with rocuronium bromide in rapid sequence induction in paediatric patients is limited. Rocuronium bromide is therefore not recommended for facilitating tracheal intubation conditions during rapid sequence induction in paediatric patients.

Dosing in geriatric patients and patients with hepatobiliary disease and/or renal failure.

The intubation dose for geriatric patients and patients with hepatic and/or biliary tract disease and/or renal failure is rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg.kg-1. Regardless of the anaesthetic technique used, the recommended maintenance dose for these patients is rocuronium bromide 0.075 to 0.1 mg.kg-1 and the recommended infusion rate is 0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg/hour (also see Continuous infusion above and Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Overweight and obese patients.

Doses should be adjusted to conform with lean body mass in patients with a weight more than 30% higher than ideal bodyweight.

Intensive care procedures.

Tracheal intubation.

For tracheal intubation, the same dose should be used as described above under surgical procedures.

Maintenance dosing.

The use of an initial loading dose of rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg/kg bodyweight is recommended, followed by a continuous infusion as soon as twitch height recovers to 10% or upon reappearance of one to two twitches to train of four stimulation. Dosage should always be titrated to effect in the individual patient. The recommended initial infusion rate for the maintenance of a neuromuscular block of 80 to 90% (one to two twitches to TOF stimulation) in adult patients is 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg/hour during the first hour of administration, which will need to be decreased during the following 6 to 12 hours, according to the individual response. Thereafter, individual dose requirements remain relatively constant.
A large between patient variability in hourly infusion rates has been found in controlled studies, with mean hourly infusion rates ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg/hour depending on nature and extent of organ failure(s), concomitant medication and individual patient characteristics. To provide optimal individual patient control, monitoring of neuromuscular transmission is strongly recommended. Administration up to seven days has been investigated. There are no data to support dose recommendations for the facilitation of mechanical ventilation in paediatric and geriatric patients.
Patients with multiple organ failure require lower infusion rates (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Prolonged use (> 48 hours) of non-depolarising muscle relaxants in the ICU should be avoided (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Physical compatibilities.

Compatibility studies with the following infusion fluids have been performed. In nominal concentrations of 0.5 and 2.0 mg/mL Rocuronium Baxter has been shown to be compatible with sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.9%, glucose 5%, glucose 5% in saline, sterile water for injections, Compound Sodium Lactate and Haemaccel. Administration should be begun immediately after mixing and should be completed within 24 hours. Unused solutions should be discarded.
Prior to use, prepared infusions and syringes after withdrawal of the product from the vials should be stored at 2°C to 8°C and used as soon as practicable after preparation. Any unused solution and product withdrawn into a syringe should be discarded after 24 hours.
If multiple use in one patient is intended, product withdrawn into a syringe should be used within six hours of the initial dose and any remainder discarded.
Those drugs for which incompatibilities have been demonstrated are listed below.

Physical incompatibilities.

Physical incompatibility has been documented when Rocuronium Baxter is added to solutions containing amoxicillin, amphotericin B (amphotericin), azathioprine, cefazolin, cloxacillin, dexamethasone, diazepam, erythromycin, famotidine, furosemide (frusemide), hydrocortisone sodium succinate, insulin, Intralipid, methylprednisolone, prednisolone sodium succinate, thiopental sodium, trimethoprim and vancomycin hydrochloride.
Rocuronium Baxter must not be mixed with other solutions or drugs except those mentioned above (see Physical compatibilities above).
If Rocuronium Baxter is administered via the same infusion line that is also used for other drugs, it is important that this infusion line is adequately flushed (e.g. with NaCl 0.9%) between administration of Rocuronium Baxter and drugs for which incompatibility with Rocuronium Baxter has been demonstrated or for which compatibility with Rocuronium Baxter has not been established.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity reactions to rocuronium or the bromide ion or to any of the excipients.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Particularly in the case of former anaphylactic reactions, rocuronium bromide should be administered only under the supervision of an experienced clinician.

Appropriate administration and monitoring.

Since rocuronium causes paralysis of the respiratory muscles, ventilatory support is mandatory for patients treated with this drug. Ventilation should be continued until adequate spontaneous respiration is restored. As with all neuromuscular blocking agents, it is important to anticipate intubation difficulties, particularly when used as part of a rapid sequence induction technique. In case of intubation difficulties resulting in a clinical need for immediate reversal of a rocuronium induced neuromuscular block, the use of sugammadex should be considered.
Doses of rocuronium bromide greater than 0.9 mg/kg may increase the heart rate; this effect could counteract the bradycardia produced by other anaesthetic agents or by vagal stimulation.
Patients with multiple organ failure require lower infusion rates (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Residual curarisation.

As with other neuromuscular blocking agents, residual curarisation has been reported for Rocuronium Baxter. Geriatric patients (65 years or older) may be at increased risk for residual neuromuscular block. Factors which could cause residual curarisation after extubation in the postoperative phase (e.g. drug interactions or patient condition) should also be considered. If not already used as part of usual clinical practice, the use of sugammadex or another reversal agent should be considered, especially in those cases where residual curarisation is more likely to occur.

Anaphylaxis.

Anaphylactic reactions can occur following administration of neuromuscular blocking agents. Precautions for treating such reactions should always be taken. Allergic cross reactivity between muscle relaxants has been reported.

Long-term use in an intensive care unit.

In general, following long-term use of neuromuscular blocking agents in the ICU, prolonged paralysis and/or skeletal muscle weakness has been noted. In order to help preclude possible prolongation of neuromuscular block and/or overdosage it is strongly recommended that neuromuscular transmission is monitored throughout the use of neuromuscular blocking agents. In addition, patients should receive adequate analgesia and sedation. Furthermore, neuromuscular blocking agents should be titrated to effect in the individual patients by or under supervision of experienced clinicians who are familiar with their actions and with appropriate neuromuscular monitoring techniques.
Myopathy after long-term administration of other non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents in the ICU in combination with corticosteroid therapy has been reported regularly. Therefore, the period of use of the neuromuscular blocking agent should be limited as much as possible in patients receiving both neuromuscular blocking agents and corticosteroids.
Prolonged use (> 48 hours) of non-depolarising muscle relaxants in the ICU should be avoided (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Use with suxamethonium.

If suxamethonium is used for intubation, the administration of Rocuronium Baxter should be delayed until the patient has clinically recovered from the neuromuscular block induced by suxamethonium.

Risk of death due to medication errors.

Administration of Rocuronium Baxter results in paralysis, which may lead to respiratory arrest and death, a progression that may be more likely to occur in a patient for whom it is not intended. Confirm proper selection of intended product and avoid confusion with other injectable solutions that are present in critical care and other clinical settings. If another healthcare provider is administering the product, ensure that the intended dose is clearly labelled and communicated.

The following conditions may influence the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of rocuronium.

A peripheral nerve stimulator may be of use in monitoring the neuromuscular response in patients presenting with such complications.
Paediatric use.

Infants (one month to twelve months of age).

Mean onset time in infants and children at an intubation dose of 0.6 mg.kg-1 is slightly shorter than in adults. The duration of relaxation and the time to recovery tend to be shorter in children compared to infants and adults.
In one study the clinical duration of action was 43 minutes in infants compared with 26 minutes in children aged 3 to 8 years. In a second study 2 of 20 subjects exhibited a prolonged duration of response and another two subjects appeared to be resistant to reversal of effects with neostigmine.
Hepatic and/or biliary tract disease and renal failure. Because rocuronium is excreted in urine and bile, it should be used with caution in patients with clinically significant hepatic and/or biliary diseases and/or renal failure. In these patient groups prolongation of action has been observed with doses of rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg.kg-1. It is recommended the infusion rate is titrated to effect.
Prolonged circulation time. Conditions associated with prolonged circulation time, e.g. cardiovascular disease, old age and oedematous state resulting in an increased volume of distribution, may contribute to a slower onset of action of rocuronium. The duration of action may also be prolonged due to a reduced plasma clearance.
Neuromuscular disease. Like other neuromuscular blocking agents, rocuronium bromide should be used with extreme caution in patients with neuromuscular disease or after poliomyelitis, since the response to neuromuscular blocking agents may be considerably altered in these cases. The magnitude and direction of this alteration may vary widely. In patients with myasthenia gravis or the myasthenic (Eaton-Lambert) syndrome, small doses of rocuronium bromide may have profound effects and rocuronium bromide should be titrated to the response.
Hypothermia. In surgery under hypothermic conditions, the neuromuscular blocking effect of rocuronium is increased and the duration prolonged.
Obesity. Like other neuromuscular blocking agents, rocuronium may exhibit a prolonged duration of action and a prolonged spontaneous recovery in obese patients, when the administered doses are calculated on actual bodyweight.
Burns. Patients with burns are known to develop resistance to non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents. It is recommended that the dose is titrated to response.
Conditions which may increase the effects of Rocuronium Baxter. Hypokalaemia (e.g. after severe vomiting, diarrhoea and diuretic therapy), hypocalcaemia (after massive transfusion), hypermagnesaemia, hypoproteinaemia, dehydration, acidosis, hypercapnia and cachexia may all increase the effects of rocuronium. Severe electrolyte disturbances altered blood pH and dehydration should therefore be corrected prior to surgery whenever possible.

Use in the elderly.

See Residual curarisation above. Also see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Coadministration of the following compounds has been shown to influence the magnitude and/or the duration of action of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.

Effect of other drugs on Rocuronium Baxter.

Increased effect.

Halogenated volatile anaesthetics potentiate the neuromuscular block of Rocuronium Baxter. The effect only becomes apparent with maintenance dosing (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). With the presence of these volatile agents reversal of the block with anticholinesterase inhibitors could also be inhibited.
After intubation with suxamethonium (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
Long-term concomitant use of corticosteroids and Rocuronium Baxter in the ICU may result in prolonged duration of neuromuscular block or myopathy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects).

Other drugs.

Antibiotics: aminoglycoside, lincosamide and polypeptide antibiotics, acylaminopenicillin antibiotics.
Diuretics, quinidine and its isomer quinine, magnesium salts, calcium channel blocking agents, lithium salts, local anaesthetics (lidocaine (lignocaine) intravenous (IV), bupivacaine epidural) and acute administration of phenytoin or beta-blocking agents.
Recurarisation has been reported after post-operative administration of aminoglycoside, lincosamide, polypeptide and acylamino-penicillin antibiotics, quinidine, quinine and magnesium salts (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Decreased effect.

Prior chronic administration of corticosteroids, phenytoin or carbamazepine.

Variable effect.

Administration of other non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents in combination with Rocuronium Baxter may produce potentiation or attenuation of the neuromuscular block, depending on the order of administration and the neuromuscular blocking agent used.
Suxamethonium given after the administration of a non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent may produce potentiation or attenuation of the neuromuscular blocking effect of the non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent.

Effect of Rocuronium Baxter on other drugs.

Rocuronium Baxter combined with lignocaine may result in a quicker onset of lignocaine.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Fertility studies with rocuronium bromide have not been conducted.
(Category B2)
Rocuronium bromide was not embryotoxic and/or teratogenic when administered to rats during pregnancy (day 6 to day 17) at intravenous neuromuscular blocking doses of 0.3 mg/kg. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Rocuronium Baxter should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the foetus.
In patients receiving magnesium sulfate for toxaemia the dose of rocuronium bromide should be reduced and carefully titrated to the twitch response.
 Insignificant levels of rocuronium were found in the milk of lactating rats, however there are no data on the use of rocuronium bromide in lactating women. Rocuronium bromide should only be given to breastfeeding women when the attending doctor decides that the benefits outweigh the risks.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Since Rocuronium Baxter is used as an adjunct to general anaesthesia, the usual precautionary measures after a general anaesthetic should be taken for ambulatory patients.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The most commonly occurring adverse drug reactions include injection site pain/reaction, changes in vital signs and prolonged neuromuscular block. The most frequently reported serious adverse drug reactions during post marketing surveillance are anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions and associated symptoms. See also the explanations below. See Table 1.

Anaphylaxis.

Although very rare, severe anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents, including Rocuronium Baxter, have been reported. Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions are bronchospasm, cardiovascular changes (e.g. hypotension, tachycardia, circulatory collapse-shock) and cutaneous changes (e.g. angioedema, urticaria). These reactions have, in some cases, been fatal.
Since neuromuscular blocking agents are known to be capable of inducing histamine release both locally and systemically, the possible occurrence of itching or erythematous reactions at the site of injection and/or generalised histaminoid (anaphylactoid) reactions (see also under anaphylactic reactions above) should always be considered when administering these drugs.
In clinical studies only a slight increase in mean plasma histamine levels has been observed following rapid bolus administration of rocuronium bromide 0.3 to 0.9 mg.kg-1.

Local injection site reactions.

During rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia, pain on injection has been reported, especially when the patient has not yet completely lost consciousness and particularly when propofol is used as the induction agent. In clinical studies, pain on injection has been noted in 16% of the patients who underwent rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia with propofol and in less than 5% of the patients who underwent rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia with fentanyl and thiopental.

Prolonged neuromuscular block.

The most frequent adverse reaction to nondepolarising blocking agents as a class consists of an extension of the drug's pharmacological action beyond the time period needed. This may vary from skeletal muscle weakness to profound and prolonged skeletal muscle paralysis resulting in respiratory insufficiency or apnoea.

Intensive care unit myopathy.

Myopathy has been reported after the use of various neuromuscular blocking agents in the ICU in combination with corticosteroids (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Rapid sequence induction clinical trial data.

The percentages of patients with at least one adverse event, with causality related to the study drug, are listed in Table 2 for the all patients treated groups of both pivotal studies. It includes all adverse events reported with an incidence of 1% or greater. A dash represents an incidence of less than 1%.

Intensive care unit clinical trial data.

The percentages of patients with at least one adverse event, with causality related to the study drug, are shown in Table 3 for the all-patients-treated groups of both pivotal studies. It includes all adverse events reported with an incidence of 1% or greater.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

The symptoms of overdosage with a non-depolarising muscle relaxant are those of prolonged paralysis, apnoea, low tidal volume, respiratory depression and/or persistent muscle weakness. In animal studies, severe depression of cardiovascular function ultimately leading to cardiac collapse did not occur until a cumulative dose of 750 times the ED90 (rocuronium bromide 135 mg.kg-1) was administered.

Treatment.

In the event of overdosage and prolonged neuromuscular block, the patient should continue to receive ventilatory support and sedation. In this situation there are two options for the reversal of neuromuscular block: (1) Sugammadex can be used for reversal of intense (profound) and deep block. The dose of sugammadex to be administered depends on the level of neuromuscular block. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (e.g. neostigmine, edrophonium, pyridostigmine), with appropriate vagolytic (e.g. atropine) can be used at reappearance of T2 or at the first signs of clinical recovery and should be administered in adequate doses. If administration of an acetylcholinesterase inhibiting agent fails to reverse the effects of rocuronium, ventilation must be continued until spontaneous breathing is restored.
Use of a reversal agent should not begin until definite signs of spontaneous recovery are present. Overdosage of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor can be dangerous.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Quaternary aminosteroid and an analogue of vecuronium bromide.
Rocuronium is a fast onset (relative to vecuronium), intermediate acting nondepolarising neuromuscular blocking agent. It acts by competing with the natural transmitter acetylcholine and blocking the cholinoceptors located at the motor endplate of the striated muscle. This is unlike suxamethonium which causes depolarisation and renders the endplate, after initial contraction, unresponsive to stimuli, thus producing paralysis of the striated muscle. The action of rocuronium is antagonised by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, e.g. neostigmine, edrophonium and pyridostigmine. The neuromuscular block can also be reversed by sugammadex, a Selective Relaxant Binding Agent. Rocuronium does not produce clinically significant autonomic and cardiovascular effects within the recommended dose range and is not expected to modulate cardiovascular effects of anaesthetics or other drugs used during surgery.
The ED90 (dose required to produce 90% depression of the twitch response of the thumb to stimulation of the ulnar nerve) during balanced anaesthesia is approximately rocuronium bromide 0.3 mg.kg-1. The ED95 in infants is lower than in adults and children (0.25, 0.35 and 0.40 mg.kg-1, respectively).
The mean pharmacodynamic parameter values for rocuronium over a range of doses are presented in Tables 4 and 5.
The clinical duration (the duration until spontaneous recovery to 25% of control twitch height) with rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg.kg-1 is 30 to 40 minutes. The total duration (time until spontaneous recovery to 90% of control twitch height) is 50 minutes. The mean time of spontaneous recovery of twitch response from 25 to 75% (recovery index) after a bolus dose of rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg.kg-1 is 14 minutes.
With lower doses of rocuronium bromide 0.3 to 0.45 mg.kg-1 (1 to 1.5 times ED90), onset of action is slower and duration of action is shorter. With high doses of 2 mg.kg-1, clinical duration is 110 minutes.

Intubation during routine anaesthesia.

Within 60 seconds following intravenous administration of a dose of rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg.kg-1 (two times ED90 under intravenous anaesthesia), adequate intubation conditions can be achieved in nearly all patients of which in 80% intubation conditions are rated excellent. General muscle paralysis for any type of procedure is established within two minutes. After administration of rocuronium bromide 0.45 mg.kg-1, acceptable conditions are present after 90 seconds.

Rapid sequence induction.

During rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia under propofol or fentanyl/ thiopental anaesthesia, adequate intubation conditions are achieved within 60 seconds in 93% and 96% of the patients, respectively, following a dose of rocuronium bromide 1.0 mg.kg-1. The rate of excellent intubations after a rocuronium 1.0 mg.kg-1 dose was achieved in 66% and 65% of the patients, respectively. The clinical duration with this dose approaches one hour, at which time the neuromuscular block can be safely reversed. Following a dose of rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg.kg-1, adequate intubation conditions are achieved within 60 seconds in 81% and 75% of the patients during a rapid sequence induction technique with propofol and fentanyl/ thiopental, respectively.

Special populations.

Mean onset time in infants and children at an intubation dose of 0.6 mg.kg-1 is slightly shorter than in adults. The duration of relaxation and the time to recovery tend to be shorter in children compared to infants and adults.
The duration of action of maintenance doses of rocuronium bromide 0.15 mg.kg-1 might be somewhat longer under enflurane and isoflurane anaesthesia and in patients with hepatic disease (approximately 20 minutes) than in patients without impairment of excretory organ functions under intravenous anaesthesia (approximately 13 minutes). No accumulation of effect (progressive increase in duration of action) with repetitive dosing at the recommended level has been observed.

Intensive care unit.

Following continuous infusion in the intensive care unit, the time to recovery of the train of four ratio to 0.7 depends on the level of block at the end of the infusion. After a continuous infusion for 20 hours or more the median (range) time between return of T2 to train of four stimulation and recovery of the train of four ratio to 0.7 approximates 1.5 (one to five) hours in patients without multiple organ failure and four (1 to 25) hours in patients with multiple organ failure.

Cardiovascular surgery.

In patients scheduled for cardiovascular surgery the most common cardiovascular changes during the onset of maximum block following rocuronium bromide 0.6 to 0.9 mg.kg-1 are a slight and clinically insignificant increase in heart rate up to 9% and an increase in mean arterial blood pressure up to 16% from the control values.

Reversal of muscle relaxation.

The action of rocuronium can be antagonised either by sugammadex or by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (neostigmine, pyridostigmine or edrophonium). Sugammadex can be given for routine reversal (at 1-2 post-tetanic counts to reappearance of T2) or immediate reversal (3 minutes after rocuronium bromide administration). Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can be administered in appropriate dosage, at reappearance of T2 or at the first signs of clinical recovery.

Clinical trials.

The use of rocuronium bromide during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia was studied in two pivotal studies, including a total of 681 adults and elderly patients, one using thiopentone 3 to 5 mg/kg (plus fentanyl) as the induction agent, and the other using 2.5 mg/kg propofol. The studies included three study groups: rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, rocuronium 1.0 mg/kg, and suxamethonium 1.0 mg/kg. The patients were intubated within 60 seconds after the end of muscle relaxant administration. In the first part of both studies, intubation conditions after rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg were compared. In the second part of both studies, the optimal rocuronium dose was compared with suxamethonium 1.0 mg/kg. The optimal rocuronium dose (i.e. 1.0 mg/kg in both studies) and suxamethonium 1.0 mg/kg were considered to be clinically equivalent if a difference of less than 10% in the number of clinically acceptable intubating conditions was demonstrated. Based on this assumption a 13% rate of clinically unacceptable intubating conditions would have been acceptable. In the first part of both studies, it was demonstrated that the frequency of excellent intubating conditions was higher after a rocuronium 1.0 mg/kg dose than after the 0.6 mg/kg dose (65% versus 28% in the thiopentone study and 66% versus 40% in the propofol study). The percentage of clinically acceptable intubating conditions is comparable for rocuronium 1.0 mg/kg compared to suxamethonium 1.0 mg/kg although rocuronium resulted less frequently in excellent intubating conditions (65% versus 80% in the thiopentone study and 66% versus 74% in the propofol study, although statistical significance was not reached in the latter study). In the thiopentone study, intubation could not be performed in 2% of the patients in the rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg group and in 1% of the patients in the rocuronium 1.0 mg/kg group 60 seconds after administration of the muscle relaxant. Intubation could be performed in all patients receiving suxamethonium 1.0 mg/kg. In the propofol study, intubation could not be performed in 1% of the patients in the rocuronium 1.0 mg/kg group and in 1% of the patients in the suxamethonium 1.0 mg/kg group but in all patients in the rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg group. These studies do not provide information on the relative time to onset of suxamethonium versus rocuronium bromide as the protocols specified assessment of intubation conditions at 60 seconds.
The use of rocuronium bromide in the intensive care unit (ICU) to facilitate mechanical ventilation was studied in two pivotal studies, including a total of 95 adult patients; 35 of the 95 patients (37%) had received rocuronium bromide for at least two days, and eleven (12%) for four days. Both patients with and without multiple organ failure were included. In both studies, rocuronium bromide administration started with a large loading bolus of 0.6 mg/kg and upon reappearance of one or two responses to TOF stimulation, a rocuronium bromide infusion was started for as long as required up to a maximum of seven days.
There are no data to support ICU use in infants, children, elderly (> 70 years old), those with burns and pre-existing myopathy.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

After intravenous administration of a single bolus dose of rocuronium bromide the plasma concentration time course runs in three exponential phases. In normal adults, the mean (95% confidence interval) elimination half-life is 73 (66 to 80) minutes, the (apparent) volume of distribution at steady state conditions is 203 (193 to 214) mL/kg and plasma clearance is 3.7 (3.5 to 3.9) mL/kg/minute.
Rocuronium is excreted in urine and bile. Excretion in urine approaches 40% within 12 to 24 hours. After injection of a radiolabelled dose of rocuronium bromide, excretion of the radiolabel is on average 47% in urine and 43% in faeces after nine days. Approximately 50% is recovered as the parent compound.
In infants (3 months to 1 year), the apparent volume of distribution at steady-state conditions is increased compared to adults and children (1 to 8 years). In older children (3 to 8 years), a trend is seen toward higher clearance and shorter elimination half-life compared to adults, younger children and infants. The mean (+/- standard deviation (SD)) elimination half-life in older children (3 to 8 years), adults, younger children (1 to 3 years) and infants (3 to 12 months) is respectively 48 (+/- 18), 73 (+/- 32), 65 (+/- 39) and 79 (+/- 30) minutes.

Elderly patients and patients with hepatic and/or biliary tract disease and/or renal failure.

In controlled studies in elderly patients and in patients with renal dysfunction, the plasma clearance was reduced. In most studies, however, this reduction was not statistically significant. In patients with hepatic disease, the mean elimination half-life is prolonged by 30 minutes and the mean plasma clearance is reduced by 1.0 mL/kg/minute (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Intensive care unit.

When administered as a continuous infusion to facilitate mechanical ventilation for 20 hours or more, the mean elimination half-life and the mean (apparent) volume of distribution at steady state are increased. A large between patient variability is found in controlled clinical studies, related to nature and extent of (multiple) organ failure and individual patient characteristics. In patients with multiple organ failure a mean (+/- SD) elimination half-life of 21.5 (+/- 3.3) hours, an (apparent) volume of distribution at steady state of 1,500 (+/- 800) mL/kg and a plasma clearance of 2.1 (+/- 0.8) mL/kg/minute were found.
There is no proper animal model to mimic the usually extremely complex clinical situation of the ICU patient. Therefore the safety of Rocuronium Baxter when used to facilitate mechanical ventilation in the ICU is mainly based on the results obtained in clinical studies.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Rocuronium bromide showed no genotoxic potential in standard assays of gene mutation and chromosomal damage.

Carcinogenicity.

Carcinogenicity studies with rocuronium bromide have not been conducted.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Sodium acetate, sodium chloride, glacial acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

See Section 4.2 Dose and Methods of Administration.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store at 2°C to 8°C. Rocuronium Baxter is intended to be used for one dose and in one patient only. Unused solutions should be discarded.
Rocuronium Baxter should not be returned to 2°C to 8°C storage after it has been kept outside the refrigerator (8°C to 30°C), i.e. in normal use in the anaesthetic room or operating theatre. The date of removal should be noted on the vial and the product discarded if not used in 12 weeks.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

The product is distributed as 10 clear glass vials packed into an outer carton.
The rubber stopper in the vial does not contain latex.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Rocuronium bromide is an almost white to pale yellow amorphous powder which is freely soluble in water (> 200 mg/mL). A 1% w/v solution in water has a pH of 8.9 to 9.5. In aqueous solution rocuronium bromide is more stable at acidic pH. Rocuronium Baxter has a pH of 3.8 to 4.2. The partition coefficient of Rocuronium bromide in n-octanol/water is 0.5 at 20°C.

Chemical structure.


Molecular formula.

C32H53BrN2O4.

Molecular weight.

609.7 g/mol.

CAS number.

119302-91-9.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes