A Compari`Tive Study between Vecuronium and Rocuronium for Intubating Condition and Hemodynamic Changes

Background: Neuromuscular blockers (NMB) are very important for generalanesthesia, Rocuronium and Vecuronium are used as non-depolarizing muscle relaxants. In a randomized study we had compared both drugs as regard theonset of action, intubating condition and hemodynamic changes. Method:-Sixty patients ( 20 to 60 year), scheduled to undergo elective general surgery, were included in thisrandomized, double-blind controlledstudy.After induction of anaesthesia, patientswere divided randomly into two groups according to the muscle relaxant used. Group I received Inj. rocuronium while GroupII received Inj.vecuronium.Haemodynamic parameters comprising of heart rate, mean arterial pressure were measuredpreoperatively, pre induction, post induction, post relaxant, post intubation (1 min) and after 3, 5,7,10,15 and 30 min after intubation. Results:-Rocuronium has maintained excellent cardiovascular stability for the dose used in present study. There was an increase inheart rate following rocuronium administration but the average maximum increase of 5 beats/min was clinically insignificant.Rocuronium is 3-6 times less potent than vecuronium as a neuromuscular blocker but is slightly more potent in blocking theresponses to either vagal or preganglionic sympathetic stimulation.