PHARMACOKINETICS OF 51W89 - PRELIMINARY DATA

The pharmacokinetics of the 1R cis-1'R cis-isomer of atracurium (51W89 ) acid its metabolite, laudanosine, were studied in 11 healthy patient s with normal renal function and in 12 patients with chronic renal fai lure undergoing regular dialysis. A bolus dose of 51W89 (0.1 mg/kg) wa s given, and the plasma concentration was measured at regular interval s for 480 min. The elimination half-life of 51W89 was significantly lo nger in renal failure patients than in healthy controls (38.9 min vs 3 0.6 min; P<0.05). The plasma laudanosine levels were lower than those reported after an equipotent dose of atracurium besylate. 51W89 may ha ve a prolonged effect in renal failure patients.