Abstract
Atracurium and vecuronium are reviewed with reference to the following aspects: Development and chemistry
Pharmacology
Potency and dosage
Onset and duration of action
Non-neuromuscular effects
Cardiovascular
Central nervous system
Histamine release and allergic responses
Fate in the body
Pharmacokinetics
Factors which affect response to atracurium and vecuronium
Anaesthetic agents
Suxamethonium
Age
Clinical aspects
Intubation
Cardiac disease and cardiac surgery
Renal disease
Liver disease
Obstetric anaesthesia
Anaesthesia for ophthalmic and neurosurgery
Intercurrent disease states
Outpatient surgery
Reversal of neuromuscular block
Conclusion
