Dose-response relations of doxacurium and its reversal with neostigmine in young adults and healthy elderly patients

Dose-response relationships for doxacurium and neostigmine were established in 24 young (18-40 yr) and 24 elderly (70-85 yr) patients, ASA physical status I or II, anesthetized with thiopental, fentanyl, nitrous oxide, and isoflurane. Mechanomyographic response of the adductor pollicis muscle to the train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve was recorded. Doxacurium (5, 10, 15, or 20 μg/kg IV) was administered by random allocation. After maximal blockade, an additional dose, for a total of 30 μg/kg, as administered