Clinical experiences with pipecuronium bromide.

In two groups of patients the neuromuscular and circulatory effects of pipecuronium bromide (Arduan R), a new steroid type muscle relaxant were compared with those of pancuronium during balanced anaesthesia. Pipecuronium (n = 18) was found to be about 20% more potent than pancuronium (n = 20). The 95% blocking doses were: 0.059 mg kg-1 for pipecuronium and 0.075 mg kg-1 for pancuronium; these doses provided equal intubating conditions and relaxation. The onset, clinical relaxation time (clinical duration), recovery and the reversibility of the neuromuscular effects of the two agents in equipotent doses were similar. No cardiovascular or other side effects were observed with the use of pipecuronium.