Dose-response relationship of atracurium besylate in the halothaneana-esthetised pig

Abstract

The dose response relationship for the intermediateacting non-depolarising muscle relaxant, atracurium besylate in the pig was determined using evoked electromyography. An incremental dose technique was used in seven Large White/Landrace crossbred pigs anaesthetised with nitrous oxide and halothane. ED50 and ED95 were 510 ± 87 μg kg-1 and 1150 ± 270 μg kg-1, respectively. Although these values may represent an overestimate, they provide a reasonable guideline for the use of atracurium by veterinary anaesthetists. © 1993.