Détermination de la courbe dose-effet du vécuronium chez l'homme anesthésié

Dose-response curves have been determined in 37 healthy subjects, after injection of a single bolus of Organon NC 45 (vecuronium or Norcuron®). The doses used were 0.0125, 0.025, 0.037 and 0.05 mg · kg^?1. The ulnar nerve was stimulated at the wrist and the force of thumb adduction measured. No premedication was used. Anesthesia was induced with thiopentone and fentanyl, and maintained by a nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture under controlled ventilation. Paco₂ was 37 ± 0.5 mmHg and temperature 36.8 ± 0.1 °C. The effective doses (ED) were : ED₅₀ at 0.024 mg · kg^?1, ED₉₀ at 0.034 mg · kg^?1 and ED₉₅ at 0.037 mg · kg^?1. At 0.05 mg · kg^?1, the degree of twitch inhibition was 99.2 ± 0.6 %, the delay of maximum effect was 7.7 ± 1.4 min, and the length of action (up to 90 % recovery) was 27.2 ± 2.3 min. Vecuronium is therefore a potent neuromuscular blocking agent with a relatively short duration of action.