Infusion of atracurium for long surgical procedures.
A continuous infusion of atracurium , at an average rate of 0.0061 +/- 0.0003 mg kg-1 min-1 for 128-233 min, to 12 anaesthetized patients undergoing prolonged surgical procedures, provided readily controllable neuromuscular blockade, and good operating conditions. When the infusion was discontinued, full spontaneous recovery from 90-100% blockade in a mean time of 42.2 +/- 3.1 min was as prompt as that after bolus administration of the drug. There was no evidence of recurarization . Induced reversal with neostigmine, preceded by atropine, shortened the recovery time to a mean of 16.4 +/- 2.2 min. It was concluded that the administration of atracurium by infusion was suitable for long surgical procedures.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001279:Atracurium; D001285:Atropine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009388:Neostigmine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000601:surgery*
D007546:Isoquinolines; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; D001279:Atracurium; D009388:Neostigmine; D001285:Atropine