A comparison of the pharmacodynamics of rocuronium and vecuronium during halothane anaesthesia.
Thirty healthy patients were randomised to receive either a single bolus dose of rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1 or vecuronium 0.1 mg.kg-1 during halothane anaesthesia. Onset time, duration 25, duration 75 and train-of-four 70 were measured. The onset of neuromuscular blockade following rocuronium was more rapid than vecuronium (p = 0.0001). All other pharmacodynamic parameters were similar. During the first minute following injection of the neuromuscular blocking agent, the heart rate increased by 36% in the rocuronium group but remained stable in those patients who received vecuronium (p = 0.0008). No adverse effects were noted in either group.
Division of Anaesthesia, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.
M G
MG
Booth
B
B
Marsh
F M
FM
Bryden
E N
EN
Robertson
W L
WL
Baird
D000328:Adult; D000732:Androstanols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006221:Halothane; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077123:Rocuronium; D013997:Time Factors; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D000732:Androstanols; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide; D006221:Halothane; D000077123:Rocuronium