Rapid sequence induction using vecuronium

The purpose of this study was to determine the ideal priming and total dose of vecuronium when used as the relaxant during rapid sequence induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation. Seventy patients were studied. Various priming and total dose schedules using vecuronium were compared with succinylcholine, 1.5 mg/kg. The mean onset times, intubating conditions, and mean duration times were compared. A priming dose of 10 micrograms/kg produced good intubation conditions with both 70 micrograms/kg and 150 micrograms/kg (total doses), but the mean onset times remained significantly longer than succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg (P less than 0.05). A priming dose of 15 micrograms/kg of vecuronium with 100 micrograms/kg total dose, on the other hand, not only produced excellent intubating conditions but also resulted in a mean onset time not significantly different from succinylcholine, 1.5 mg/kg. This latter dose schedule of vecuronium is recommended for rapid sequence induction when succinylcholine is contraindicated. Vecuronium is preferable to pancuronium for rapid sequence induction because of its lack of cardiovascular side effects and short duration.