A comparison of the pharmacodynamics of rocuronium and vecuronium during halothane anaesthesia

Abstract

Thirty healthy patients were randomised to receive either a single bolus dose of rocuronium 0.6mg.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. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved