Pancuronium bromide
[CAS# 15500-66-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Anesthetic agents >> Skeletal muscle relaxant
• Name: Pancuronium bromide
• Synonyms: 1,1'-[(2b,3a,5a,16b,17b)-3,17-Bis(acetyloxy)androstane-2,16-diyl]bis(1-methylpiperidinium) dibromide
• Molecular Formula: C₃₅H₆₀Br₂N₂O₄
• Molecular Weight: 732.68
• CAS Registry Number: 15500-66-0
• EC Number: 239-532-5
• SMILES: CC(=O)O[C@H]1C[C@@H]2CC[C@@H]3[C@@H]([C@]2(C[C@@H]1[N+]4(CCCCC4)C)C)CC[C@]5([C@H]3C[C@@H]([C@@H]5OC(=O)C)[N+]6(CCCCC6)C)C.[Br-].[Br-]

Properties

• Solubility: 100 mg/mL (DMSO). 100 mg/ML (water)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06 Danger
• Risk Statements: H301-H311-H331-H373-H411
• Safety Statements: P261-P262-P264-P270-P271-P273-P280-P301+P316-P302+P352-P304+P340-P316-P321-P330-P361+P364-P391-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312

• Transport Information: UN 2811

Discovery and Applications

Pancuronium bromide, a neuromuscular blocking agent, was first synthesized in the 1970s and has since become an important compound in clinical anesthesia and surgical practice. It belongs to the class of neuromuscular blockers known as non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, which are used to induce muscle relaxation during surgical procedures.

The primary application of Pancuronium bromide is in the field of anesthesia. It is used to induce and maintain muscle relaxation during surgeries, facilitating better access to surgical sites and improving patient management. Pancuronium bromide works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, thereby preventing muscle contraction. This effect is crucial for ensuring that patients remain immobile and relaxed during procedures, which helps to enhance surgical precision and reduce the risk of complications.

Pancuronium bromide is administered intravenously and its effects are reversible with the use of specific antagonists, such as neostigmine, which help to counteract the muscle relaxation after the procedure is completed. The compound is known for its relatively long duration of action compared to other neuromuscular blockers, making it suitable for use in longer surgical procedures. Its pharmacokinetics are characterized by a moderate onset time and a prolonged duration of muscle relaxation, which is advantageous in complex or lengthy surgeries.

In addition to its use in surgery, Pancuronium bromide has applications in intensive care units (ICUs) where it is used to manage patients requiring mechanical ventilation. By inducing muscle relaxation, it helps to synchronize the patient’s respiratory muscles with the ventilator, improving overall ventilation and patient comfort.

Despite its benefits, the use of Pancuronium bromide must be carefully monitored due to its potential side effects, including cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Proper dosing and patient monitoring are essential to minimize adverse effects and ensure optimal outcomes.

Research continues to explore the pharmacological properties of Pancuronium bromide and its role in anesthesia and critical care. Efforts are focused on enhancing its safety profile and developing new formulations that can improve its efficacy and reduce side effects.

References

1990. Cardiovascular effects of pancuronium, vecuronium and atracurium during induction of anesthesia with sufentanil and lorazepam for myocardial revascularization. Journal of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, 4, 3.
DOI: 10.1016/0888-6296(90)90042-e

2001. Klinische Anwendung der neuromuskulären Blocker. Muskelrelaxanzien.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-57634-8_5

2017. Sedative-Hypnotic Dependence. Substance Use Disorders, 5.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-63040-3_5