title: Pipecuronium and pancuronium: comparison of pharmacokinetics and duration of action.
abstract: The pharmacokinetics of pipecuronium 0.07 mg kg-1 and pancuronium 0.1 mg kg-1 were compared in 39 ASA class I or II patients. Plasma concentrations of these agents were measured for 6 h following administration, using a sensitive and specific capillary gas chromatographic assay. Concentration v. time data were analysed by non-linear regression and fitted to a two- or three-compartment model as appropriate. Neuromuscular blockade was assessed by measuring the mechanical evoked response of the adductor pollicis muscle to train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve. Pipecuronium had a larger steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) (309 (SD 103) ml kg-1) and greater plasma clearance (Cl) (2.4 (0.6) ml kg-1 min-1) than pancuronium (199 (54) ml kg-1 and 1.5 (0.4) ml kg-1 min-1, respectively). The volumes of the central compartment, distribution and elimination half-lives and mean residence times were similar for both agents and within the range expected for drugs of this type. The durations of action (injection to 25% recovery of twitch tension) of pipecuronium and pancuronium were similar: 98.0 (36.1) min and 117.2 (35.8) min, respectively. We conclude that the time courses of neuromuscular blockade following pipecuronium and pancuronium are similar, despite the differences in Vss and Cl.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0648.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Caldwell
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Castagnoli
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Canfell
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Fahey
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Lynam
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015113:Androstane-3,17-diol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000732:Androstanols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010197:Pancuronium / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D017300:Pipecuronium; D010879:Piperazines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000732:Androstanols; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D017300:Pipecuronium; D015113:Androstane-3,17-diol; D010197:Pancuronium