Pharmacokinetics of atracurium in acute hepatic failure (with acute renal failure)

The pharmacokinetic profile of atracurium was examined in six patients with acute hepatic and renal failure and compared with that in six normal patients after an i.v. bolus (mean dose 0.7 mg kg-1). The plasma concentrations were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography and the data fitted to a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. The results from the two groups were not significantly different, giving a mean plasma elimination half-life of 22 min in patients with severe hepatic and renal failure and a mean of 21 min in the normal group.