Pharmacodynamics And Pharmacokinetics Of Levobupivacaine For Lumbar Epidural Anesthesia

Levobupivacaine (LEVO) is a new , long-acting amide local anesthetic . The physicochemical properties and anaesthesia potence of LEVO and Bupivacaine (BUPI) appear similar . The central nervous system toxicity and cardiotoxicity of LEVO is less than that of BUPI. LEVO can be used extensively in clinic . Nowadays, the pharmacodynamics of LEVO have been widely clinically studied in China, but no pharmacokinetic properties have been reported . This study is to investigate the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of LEVO for lumbar epidural anesthesia in , and provide theoretical bases for rational administration of LEVO during clinical anesthesia. 1.Material and Method1.1 Material This study included 20 patients (ASA â…  â…¡ , aged 32⁵9 years) . They were scheduled to undergo elective colon or rectum tumor surgery under epidural combined general anesthesia. They were randomized into Group â…  (0.75%LEVO , n=10) and Group â…¡ (0.5%LEVO , n=10) . Epidural block was performed at the L_1.2 interspace . Patients of Group I and II received 0.75% and 0.5% LEVO 2 mg·kg^-1 with adrenaline 2.5 μg·ml^-1 epidurally in 1.5 min , respectively . After 30 min , general anesthesia was induced with sodium hydroxybutyrate (60⁸0 mg·kg^-1) , remifentanil (2 μg·kg^-1) and scoline (1.5 mg·kg^-1) . The trachea was intubated and anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of nitrous oxide and oxygen (1:1) , intravenous infusion of remifentanil and intermittent intravenous boluses of atracurium when needed .1.2 Determination of pharmacodynamics...