Evaluation of the onset and intubation conditions of rocuronium bromide

Rocuronium 0.6, 0.75, or 0.9 mg kg-1, was given after supramaximal train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve, measuring the compound action potential of the hypothenar muscles, Intubation conditions, onset time, recovery to 25% and recovery index of the three doses of rocuronium bromide were determined in 60 ASA I or II consenting patients, who were receiving propofol, alfentanil and N2O/O2 for ophthalmic surgery. Intubation conditions were randomly assessed either 45 s or 60 s after injection. In general, intubation conditions were excellent or good; in only three patients were poor conditions obtained, always at 45 s. For total intubation score a borderline difference was found in favour of the 60 s subgroups. No difference could be shown between the three dose groups. The onset time was longer (P < 0.01) in the 0.6 mg kg-1 group, compared to that in the 0.9 mg kg-1 group. The recovery to 25% and spontaneous recovery index were shorter in the 0.6 mg kg-1 group (P < 0.01).