Potentiation of pancuronium induced neuromuscular blockade by calcium channel blockers in vitro.

The calcium channel blockers verapamil, methoxyverapamil, diltiazem, and nisoldipine have been tested for interactions with the nondepolarizing muscle relaxant pancuronium bromide by using the indirectly stimulated in vitro preparation of the rat hemidiaphragm. Dose response curves of each calcium channel blocker, pancuronium bromide, and combinations of both were determined. Each of the four calcium channel blocking drugs showed agonistic interaction in potentiating pancuronium induced neuromuscular blockade.