An evaluation of Org NC 45 (vecuronium) in paediatric anaesthesia

Vecuronium (Org NC 45) was evaluated as a neuromuscular blocking agent in children and compared with pancuronium in a double-blind study. Satisfactory intubating conditions were present 90 seconds after 0.1 mg/kg of either drug. The onset of complete block was quicker after vecuronium but the greatest difference was found in the duration to 25% recovery which was significantly shorter with vecuronium (20 min) compared with pancuronium (48 min). The use of vecuronium was associated with cardiovascular stability and no clinical evidence of histamine release. Antagonism of the block was readily achieved with neostigmine.