Comparison of large dose of vecuronium with pancuronium for prolonged neuromuscular blockade.
Dose-duration relationships for vecuronium were determined and the duration of action produced by vecuronium 0.3 mg kg-1 shown to equal that of pancuronium 0.1 mg kg-1. Using these doses, the neuromuscular blocking properties and cardiovascular effects of the two drugs were compared. With large dose administration of vecuronium (0.3 mg kg-1), both the onset time (mean 81 s) and the 25-75% recovery index (mean 13.9 min) were about one-half those associated with pancuronium (mean 168.5 s and 29.3 min, respectively). The duration of action until 25% recovery was similar with both drugs. There was no evidence of cardiovascular instability with the large dose of vecuronium. Heart rate, however, was significantly slower (range 89.7-94.2% of control) 2-20 min after the injection of vecuronium. Vecuronium 0.3 mg kg-1 may have more favourable neuromuscular blocking effects than pancuronium 0.1 mg kg-1 and may be preferable to pancuronium when prolonged neuromuscular blockade is required.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects*; D010197:Pancuronium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014673:Vecuronium Bromide; D010197:Pancuronium