MYTOLON CHLORIDE: A NEW AGENT FOR PRODUCING MUSCULAR RELAXATION

Abstract

Mytolon chloride, a new curariform drug, was used on 250 unselected surgical cases. About 1/3 were laparotomies, 1/3 thoracotomies, and 1/3 head and neck operations where the drug was used for intubation alone. All patients were premedicated with demerol or morphine and atropine or scopolamine. Pentobarbital-Na was used in most cases for induction of anesthesia. Other agents used were thiopental, hexobarbital, cyclopropane, ether, N2O and ethylene. 95% of the patients were intubated. For the initial dose and intubation 4.5-9 mg. was necessary. The maintenance dose was 4.5-6 mg. every 20-30 min. with thiopental and cyclopropane anesthesia; 3 mg. every 30-40 min. with ether anesthesia. Muscular relaxation was apparent in 3 min. and maximal in 12-15 min. Apnea was infrequent and of short duration. The only change noted in respiration was a decreased amplitude. Mytolon caused no change in pulse rate or rhythm. A slight transient fall in blood pressure was occasionally noted. No histamine -like effects were noted. Adequate muscular relaxation indistinguishable from that of [image]-tubocurarine chloride or decamethonium bromide in comparable doses was obtained. Excessive salivation was an annoying side effect. Recovery from anesthesia was not prolonged by mytolon chloride.