Modification of atracurium blockade by halothane and by suxamethonium. A review of clinical experience.

The effects of halothane and of prior administration of suxamethonium on atracurium neuromuscular blockade have been investigated. Halothane potentiated the intensity of block produced by atracurium 0.1 or 0.15 mg kg-1. Duration of block was prolonged (27%) by halothane with a small dose of atracurium (0.15 mg kg-1) and was also prolonged (29%) with larger doses of atracurium (0.4 mg kg-1). Prior suxamethonium 1 mg kg-1 increased the intensity of block after atracurium 0.15 mg kg-1 from 52% (control) to 84%, but caused minimal change in duration of atracurium blockade.