A prospective randomized comparative study of the efficacy of atracurium and cisatracurium during general anaesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: The neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) has revolutionized the management of balanced General Anaesthesia (GA). Atracurium and Cisatracurium are intermediate-acting muscle relaxants without any much side effects and recovery due to non-organ dependent elimination. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Atracurium and Cisatracurium in general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation.Methods: In this prospective randomized comparative study 156 patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were systematically randomized into two groups of 78 each, Group. A (Atracurium) and Group B (cisatracurium). Patients' duration of surgery, vital parameters, intubation score were recorded. Results: Cisatracurium Besylate subjects had a mean onset time of 165.95 seconds, mean duration of action of 57.41 minutes and mean recovery time of 121.62 minutes. Similarly group Atracurium Besylate subjects had a mean onset time of 196.95 seconds, mean duration of action of 34.58 minutes and mean recovery time of 150.65 minutes. Cisatracurium Besylate subjects had a mean jaw relaxation score of 2.90, mean vocal cord score of 2.77, mean intubation response score of 2.85 and mean intubating score of 8.51. Similarly, group Atracurium Besylate subjects had a mean jaw relaxation score of 2.55, mean vocal cord score of 2.42, mean intubation response score of 2.43 and mean intubation score of 7.38. There were no adverse drug reactions observed in both groupsConclusion: Cisatracurium with lesser side effects and a better hemodynamic profile is safe and more efficacious as compared to atracurium.