Mivacurium is metabolized by plasma cholinesterase (PCHE). Metoclopramide i
nhibits PCHE in vitro and in vivo. We have assessed the effect of metoclopr
amide on duration of action of mivacurium and measured PCHE at baseline and
at the time of maximal block. in a randomized, double-blind study, 30 pati
ents received metoclopramide 0.15 mg kg(-1) i.v. or saline, followed by pro
pofol anaesthesia and mivacurium 0.15 mg kg(-1). Using a TOF-Guard accelero
meter, times to recovery of TI to 25%, 75% and 90% were 13.4, 19.3 and 21.9
min in the saline group and 17.8, 25.3 and 28.8 min in the metoclopramide
group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). There were no differenc
es in onset time or recovery index between the groups. PCHE activity at the
time of maximum block decreased within each group (P < 0.01) but there was
no difference between groups. In a second biochemical study of eight patie
nts, a small decrease in PCHE activity was detected after metoclopramide 0.
15 mg kg(-1), but before administration of mivacurium (P < 0.025). We concl
ude that metoclopramide prolongs the duration of action of mivacurium.