The Effect of Pre- Exposure to Caffeine on the Onset of Action of Pancuronium - A Neuromuscular Blocking Agent in Rat

Peter I. Aziba*, Adelaja Abayomi O. and Kasim L.

Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effect of pre- exposure to caffeine on the onset of action of Pancuronium, a non depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug. Using intraperitoneal(ip) administration, a graded dose of caffeine was administered to the albino rats before giving Pancuronium, and onset(time) of paralysis was measured. Twenty matured albino rats used for this study were randomly divided into four groups (Group i-iv). Group (i), control was given 0.1mg/kg pancuronium and onset of action was recorded., while group(ii-iv) serves as the experimental groups. Rats in groups (ii-iv) were exposed to 15mg/kg, 30mg/kg, and 45mg/kg of caffeine Thereafter, 30min before pancuronium o1img/kg was administered. The results obtained in this study indicated a dose-dependent increase in the onset of action of Pancuronium upon pre- exposure to caffeine, an effect that is more prominent at the medium and high doses (30mg/kg and 45mg/kg). The result also show that pre- exposure to caffeine delays the action or increases the onset of action of Pancuronium (a non depolarizing blocking drug) at neuromuscular junction and that effect of caffeine is dose dependent. However, from the result of this study,it may be suggested that the dose and time of last intake of caffeine should be considered before determining the dose of Pancuronium to be administered as adjunct to anesthesia in surgical process .

KEYWORDS: Exposure; Caffeine; Neuromuscular; Blocking; Activity; Pancuronium; Rat

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