Der Anaesthesist
-
Comparative Study
[Comparative clinical studies on vecuronium, atracurium and pancuronium in older patients].
The relaxants vecuronium (Norcuron), atracurium (Tracrium), and pancuronium (Pavulon) have been investigated with respect to onset and duration of action in old patients compared with young patients. A variant of a balanced anaesthesia technique with flunitrazepam, fentanyl and N2O/O2 was used. The following equipotent doses were investigated (mg/kg body weight): vecuronium 0.07/0.10; atracurium 0.35/0.50; pancuronium 0.08/0.115. ⋯ The duration of action to a 25% recovery and the early recovery phase from the appearance of the first to the fourth twitch in the TOF showed no difference between young and old patients. It is concluded that there are no considerable differences with respect to the duration of action between young and old patients. However, to obtain a similar degree of relaxation, it is recommended to use a somewhat higher dose level with atracurium.