Comparison of hemodynamic and neuromuscular properties of rocuronium versus vecuronium in anesthesia

Background: Adequate maintenance of airways in patients undergoing surgeries under general anesthesia was through proper intubation. This was achieved by the extensive usage of neuromuscular blocking drugs, which provided good intubation conditions and relaxation of the muscles. Neuromuscular blockers play a key role in general anesthesia. Rocuronium and vecuronium are used as nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. Objective: To study the neuromuscular properties and cardiovascular effects of rocuronium bromide, the “near-ideal” muscle relaxant and to compare it with vecuronium bromide, an already established drug, during anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized double-blinded clinical study included 50 patients, 25 patients received 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium bromide for the maintenance of anesthesia and the other 25 patients received 0.1 mg/kg of vecuronium bromide. The top-up doses administered were 0.15 mg/kg of rocuronium and 0.025 mg/kg of vecuronium. Result: The onset time was significantly shorter in the rocuronium group (Mean ± standard deviation [SD] was 108.8 s ± 28.875 s) compared with vecuronium group (Mean ± SD 188.76 s± 43.78 s). The duration of action of first dose was significantly longer in rocuronium group (31.5 min) compared with vecuronium group (24.5 min).The duration of action of top-up doses was similar in both the groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in any of the haemodynamic variables between the two groups. Conclusion: The duration of action of top-up doses was similar in both the groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in any of the hemodynamic variables (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure) between the two groups.