ABSTRACT
For the rapid endotracheal intubation, the ideal neuromuscular blocking drug with short onset time, short duration and few side effects has so far not been found. Succinylcholine is still, inspite of its side-effects and contraindications, the standard drug of choice for rapid intubation. But, high-dose vecuronium as an alternative to succinylcholine for rapid intubation may be recommended. To compare the intubating conditions with that in succinylcholine, the onset and cardiovascular effects of high-dose vecuronium(0.3 mg/kg) were evaluated clinically with a scoring system. The results are as follows ; 1) High-dose vecuronium may provide an alternative means of achieving a rapid onset of neuromuscular blockade. 2) High-dose vecuronium shows minimal effects on cardiovascular system. In concluson, high-dose vecuronium as an alternative method for rapid endotracheal intubation may be recommended without any significant cardiovascular change if succinylcholine is contraindicated.