Prediction of infusion rates: validation of a computer simulation using vecuronium
1Auckland Hospital, New Zealand.
Abstract:
In Phase 1 of the study a loading dose of vecuronium was given to 24 patients, followed by a sequence of infusions and boluses. The relationship between the duration of a bolus dose and the infusion rate necessary to maintain the required degree of neuromuscular block was demonstrated. In Phase 2 the data acquired from Phase 1 were used in an attempt to produce a predetermined degree of neuromuscular block. The aim was a block of neuromuscular function so that the height of the first twitch of a train-of-four was 15% of control. In the 10 patients studied the average height was 14.7% (SD 4.95%). It was concluded that it is possible to predict accurately the infusion dose of vecuronium required to achieve a predetermined degree of neuromuscular block, according to the duration of action of one or two test doses.
Related Concept Videos
Compartment Models: Single-Compartment Model
One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: General Considerations
The drug's presence in the body is defined by an equation representing the difference between the rates of drug entry and exit. Key parameters—elimination rate constant, half-life,...
One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: Estimation of Elimination Rate Constant, Half-Life and Volume of Distribution
One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: Estimation of Clearance
In the one-compartment open model for intravenous (IV) bolus administration, clearance is estimated by dividing the elimination rate by the plasma drug concentration. This equation leverages the elimination rate constant and the apparent...
One-Compartment Model: IV Infusion
The one-compartment model for IV infusion uses mathematical equations to describe the rate of change in drug quantity in the body. At steady-state or infusion equilibrium, the drug input...
Two-Compartment Open Model: IV Infusion
The model illustrates the decrease in plasma drug concentration from the central compartment with a specific equation. It shows that under steady-state conditions, the drug's input rate...


