The Effects of Vecuronium on Cardiovascular System and Serum P o tassium Levels

Thirty patients in ASA-1 group were premedicated with diazepam (10 mg) and atropine (112 mg) and anesthetized with Dolantin, thiopentone sodium, 50% N20, 50% 02 . Vecuronium (0.1 mgfkg) was applied intravenously as muscle relaxant. The effects of vecuronium on heart rale, blood pressure, serum potassium levels and elecirocardiographic changes were evaluated. Blood pressure was not changed and there were not significant changes in heart rate at 2 nd and 5th minutes but the bradycardia following initiation of the surgical intervention was statistically significant (p<0.05). Prolongation of QRS and QT intervals observed in ECG as well as bradycardia. Serum potassium levels were decreased significantly in blood sarnples obtaincd 5 minutes after administration of vecuronium (p<0.01). With regard to our findings, we concluded that vecuronium has no side effects on cardiovascular system.