Indications: Non depolarising muscle relaxation (short duration) for surgery.

Cautions: low plasma cholinesterase activity; elderly; hepatic impairment; renal impairment cardiovascular disease; history of greater sensitivity to histamine release and related mediators; neuromuscular disease, obesity; burns; acid-base and serum electrolyte imbalance.

Contra-indications: allergic reactions to the drug or any benzylisoquinolinium agents such as manifested by urticaria, hypotension or severe respiratory distress.

Side Effects: Flushing of the face, neck, and/or chest; hypotension; tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia, phlebitis; bronchospasm; wheezing, hypoxemia; rash, muscle spasm.

Dose: by IV injection, initially 70-150 mcg/kg, then 100mcg/kg every 15 minutes.

Child 2-12 years, initially 100-200 mcg/kg, then 100 mcg/kg every 6-7 minutes.

By IV infusion, maintenance of block, 8-10 mcg/kg/minute adjusted if necessary every 3 minutes by 1 mcg/kg/minute to usualdose of 6-7 mcg/kg/minute.

Child 2-12 years, usual dose 10-15 mcg/kg/minute