Metocurine in infants and children: neuromuscular and clinical effects.

TitleMetocurine in infants and children: neuromuscular and clinical effects.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1978
AuthorsGoudsouzian NG, Liu LM, Savarese JJ
JournalAnesthesiology
Volume49
Issue4
Pagination266-9
Date Published1978 Oct
ISSN0003-3022
KeywordsBlood Pressure, Child, Child, Preschool, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Halothane, Heart Rate, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Neuromuscular Junction, Nitrous Oxide, Thiopental, Tubocurarine
Abstract

A cumulative dose--response curve for metocurine based on body weight was determined in 30 infants and children during halothane (1.2 per cent inspired), nitrous oxide and oxygen (60/40 per cent) anesthesia. The mean and range of twitch depression and time for recovery from maximal neuromuscular blockade were not significantly different over an age range from newborn to 7 years. Metocurine is twice as potent as d-tubocurarine in children, and their requirement is more than that for adults. The rate of recovery from metocurine in children was the same as that from d-tubocurarine. In another 30 children, use of metocurine at a large dose (0.5 mg/kg) for endotracheal intubation caused no significant change in blood pressure or pulse rate. Cardial arrhythmias were not seen.

Alternate JournalAnesthesiology
PubMed ID697081