Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacodynamic Interactions of Rocuronium and Pancuronium

Abstract

Background. We evaluated the pharmacodynamic interaction of the combination of pancuronium and Rocuronium by analyzing time-response relationship, quality of intubating conditions, changes in the hemodynamics, and cost effectiveness as compared to individual drugs.Methods. Sixty patients in the ASA-I category received either 10 ml of 0.9 mg/kg rocuronium (R) plus 10 ml of saline or 10 ml of 0.1 mg/kg pancuronium (P) plus 10 ml of saline or a combination (C) of 10 ml of 0.45 mg/kg R plus 10 ml of 0.05 mg/kg P according to randomization list. Neuromuscular function was measured up to maximal suppression of twitch height.Results. The mean times (sec) taken for twitch height to decrease to 50% of baseline in R, P, and C were36.84±2.54,74.60±4.94, and40.81±2.34, respectively. The mean cost of intubation per patient was316.71±83.61INR in group R,52.30±14.94INR in group P, and93.33±20.65INR in group C.Conclusions. The combination of P and R provides rapid and smooth intubation with minimal hemodynamic changes at a reasonably priced cost.