[Clinicopharmacology of Arduan]

The paper presents clinicopharmacological investigations of Arduan carried out in Hungary and in other countries. The aim of the research work is to find an ideal muscle relaxant without side-effects, which are mainly cardiovascular. Pipecuronium bromide (Arduan) is a compound with steroid structure; it has a long duration of action and, most importantly, it does not affect circulation. The properties of pipecuronium bromide will be discussed and compared to those of pancuronium and vecuronium bromide.