Comparison of equipotent doses of rocuronium and vecuronium

Rocuronium (R) bromide and vecuronium (V) are monoquaternary aminosteroid compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the onset time, conditions of intubation and duration of action of equipotent doses (3ED95) of R and V.

The study was carried out in 60 adult American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1-2 patients of age 20-60 years. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 each and received either 0.9 mg/kg of R (Group R) or 0.168 mg/kg of V (Group V) to facilitate endotracheal intubation. Neuromuscular blockade was assessed at corrugator supercilii and adductor pollicis muscles to evaluate onset time and duration of neuromuscular block, respectively.

The mean onset time was significantly rapid in Group R as compared to Group V (P -0.011). Overall intubating conditions were excellent in 100% of patients in Group R as compared to 70% in Group V. The mean duration of action did not show a significant variation between the groups.

At equipotent doses, R provides clinically acceptable intubation conditions much earlier than V without significant variation in clinical duration of action.