Mivacurium in short to intermediate surgical procedures.

Mivacurium, a new benzylisoquinoline muscle relaxant, appears to be close to the ideal for short to intermediate surgical procedures. Ideal properties of such an agent are discussed, in addition to indications for muscle relaxation in such procedures. Two studies are presented, showing the onset and offset times of mivacurium and its cardiovascular stability in both young and elderly patients. It is concluded that it is a well-tolerated and appropriate agent for use in short to intermediate surgical procedures in those patients with normal plasma cholinesterase function, despite a slight prolongation of action in the elderly.