Comparison of Onset, Duration of Action and Intubating Conditions of Three Dosages 0.3 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.9 mg/kg of Rocuronium Bromide

Background The aim of this prospective, randomized, double blind study was to assess and compare the time of onset, duration of action and intubating conditions with three different doses of rocuronium bromide ( 0.3 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.9 mg/kg). Methods The anaesthesia was induced with sleeping dose of thiopentone sodium (till eyelash reflex lost) I. V. After 30sec, non-depolarizing muscle relaxant rocuronium bromide was administrated intravenously. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups according to dose of Rocuronium ( 0.3 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg and 0.9 mg/kg). Jaw relaxation, cord relaxation, motor response to intubation and overall intubating conditions were assessed. Results Excellent intubating conditions were seen in 0 %, 60 % and 85 % of the patients after 0.3 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.9 mg/kg of Rocuronium respectively Pless than0.001. Onset of action and duration of action were dose dependant. Conclusion rocuronium bromide in a dose of 0.9 mg/kg IV has rapid onset of action, longer duration of action and excellent intubating conditions in comparison to 0.6 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg dose at 60 seconds. So it can be used in intubation for surgery longer than one hour duration. Rocuronium in a dose of 0.6 mg/kg IV having acceptable intubating conditions, onset time, and short duration of action than 0.9 mg/kg dose, can be used for intubation if duration of surgery is less than one hour. Rocuronium in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg cannot be accepted as intubating dose because of unfavorable intubating conditions and prolonged onset of action.