Interactions of volatile anaesthetics with rocuronium bromide in perspective

A review of several publications shows that there is general agreement that inhalational anaesthetic agents potentiate the neuromuscular effects of rocuronium in the same order as other similar agents, namely; enflurane and isoflurane > halothane > intravenous anaesthetics. However, such potentiation is not evident during induction and only becomes significant as anaesthesia becomes more prolonged. It is manifest as a prolongation in the duration of action of maintenance doses and a decrease in the recovery rate. During long-lasting procedures in which enflurane or isoflurane are used, smaller than usual maintenance doses or lower infusion rates should be employed.