Dose-response relationship and time course of action of rocuronium bromide in perspective.

The available evidence indicates that rocuronium is one of the least potent non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, having a clinical duration, recovery index and reversal time similar to those of atracurium and vecuronium. The onset time, however, is significantly shorter than that of currently used non-depolarizing muscle relaxants. Rocuronium seems to be potentiated by the inhalational anaesthetics to the same degree as vecuronium. This effect is clinically most significant when using a continuous infusion of rocuronium. There is no difference in potency of rocuronium between adult and elderly patients, but it is not clear yet whether the potency differs between adults and neonates, infants or children. The onset time, duration of action, and recovery index are prolonged in elderly patients and the onset time, duration of action, and recovery index are longer in infants than in children.