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 were 36.84 ± 2.54, 74.60 ± 4.94, and 40.81 ± 2.34, respectively. The mean cost of intubation per patient was 316.71 ± 83.61 INR in group R, 52.30 ± 14.94 INR in group P, and 93.33 ± 20.65 INR in group C. Conclusions. The combination of P and R provides rapid and smooth intubation with minimal hemodynamic changes at a reasonably priced cost.