ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
alcuronium
;
single dose
;
multiple dose
;
plasma levels
;
neuromuscular response
;
pharmacokinetics
;
anaesthesia
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The pharmacokinetic behaviour of alcuronium is described for nineteen patients undergoing anaesthesia for elective surgery. Eleven patients received a single bolus intravenous dose of 0.25 mg/kg, while 8 patients required additional doses of 0.125 mg/kg. A two-compartment open model was found to describe adequately both the single dose and multiple dose data for the majority of patients. No significant differences were found in the model-independent pharmacokinetic parameters between the single and multiple dose studies. Mean values for the pooled data for the half-life (t1/2β), apparent volume of distribution (Vdβ), volume of distribution at steady-state (Vdss), volume of the central compartment (Vc) and plasma clearance (Clp) were 198.75 min, 24.261, 20.891, 8.181 and 90.22 ml/min respectively. Evoked muscle twitch response was monitored in 17 of the patients to assess the degree of relaxant blockade. The bolus dose of alcuronium produced complete block in 9 patients and between 95 and 99% block in the remainder. The time of onset to maximum block ranged from 3 to 30 min with the concurrently measured plasma levels of alcuronium being 0.79 to 2.25 µg/ml. The time taken following bolus administration to 5% recovery (95% paralysis) was a mean of 42 min and the corresponding mean alcuronium plasma concentration was 0.78 µg/ml.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00570163
