Evaluation of pipecuronium bromide during halothane or enflurane anesthesia--a comparison with pancuronium regarding the optimal dose and the effect of volatile anesthetics on neuromuscular blockade

• Published in: Masui. The Japanese journal of anesthesiology Vol. 42; no. 6; p. 876
• Main Authors: Amaki, Y, Yamamura, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan 01-06-1993
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anesthesia, Inhalation; Enflurane; Female; Halothane; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuromuscular Junction - drug effects; Pancuronium - adverse effects; Pancuronium - pharmacology; Pipecuronium - adverse effects; Pipecuronium - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0021-4892

Pipecuronium, a new muscle relaxant, was examined in surgical patients in a multi-center cooperative study. Neuromuscular blocking action, circulatory effect and side effects of pipecuronium were investigated in comparison with those of pancuronium bromide. Mechanical twitch responses of adductor pollicis muscle evoked by supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve every ten seconds were recorded. The following results were obtained. 1. Approximately 100% twitch depression was obtained after the administration of pipecuronium 0.04 mg.kg-1. 2. Enflurane and halothane did not influence the onset time and recovery time. But enflurane showed more prolonging effect on the duration of pipecuronium induced block than halothane. 3. No clinically significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure were observed. It was concluded that the minimum of 0.04 mg.kg-1 of pipecuronium is necessary for an initial dose and the maintenance dose of pipecuronium can be reduced under enflurane anesthesia.