Infusion of atracurium for long surgical procedures

A continuous infusion of atracurium , at an average rate of 0.0061 +/- 0.0003 mg kg-1 min-1 for 128-233 min, to 12 anaesthetized patients undergoing prolonged surgical procedures, provided readily controllable neuromuscular blockade, and good operating conditions. When the infusion was discontinued, full spontaneous recovery from 90-100% blockade in a mean time of 42.2 +/- 3.1 min was as prompt as that after bolus administration of the drug. There was no evidence of recurarization . Induced reversal with neostigmine, preceded by atropine, shortened the recovery time to a mean of 16.4 +/- 2.2 min. It was concluded that the administration of atracurium by infusion was suitable for long surgical procedures.