Lipid solubility of pancuronium and vecuronium determined by n-octanol/water partitioning.

Weindlamayr-Goettel, M; Gilley, H; Sipos, E; Steinbereithner, K · Br J Anaesth · 1993

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We have measured the n-octanol/water distribution coefficients at 37 degrees C of two steroidal myoneural blockers (pancuronium and vecuronium) and of their 3-hydroxy metabolites over a pH range from 1.5 to 11. Pancuronium was found not to be lipid soluble. The mean distribution coefficient of 3-hydroxy vecuronium at pH = 7.4 was 0 and that of vecuronium 0.12 (SD 0.1). Distribution coefficients of the parent drug showed a slightly greater lipid solubility than the metabolite (11.37 (2.91) and 9.53 (3.44), respectively (mean t0.05 x SE)). Because of its lipid solubility, vecuronium may penetrate into lipid structures.

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