BACKGROUND: Etomidate and rocuronium are often paired in rapid-sequence anesthesia induction. However, the effect of pretreatment with oxycodone on myoclonic and withdrawal movements has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxycodone on the incidence and severity of etomidate-induced myoclonus and rocuronium-induced nociceptive withdrawal movements during rapid­sequence anesthesia induction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We randomly divided 120 patients into the saline group (group S) and the oxycodone group (group O) (n=60 in each group). Patients received 0.05 mg/kg oxycodone or saline intravenously 2 min before administration of 0.3 mg/kg etomidate. The occurrence and severity of myoclonus were assessed after administration of etomidate, then rocuronium was injected, followed by evaluation of withdrawal movements.

RESULTS: The total frequency of involuntary movements following sequential administration of etomidate and rocuronium was significantly lower in Group O than in Group S (28.3% vs. 90%, p<0.001). The total frequency and grade 3 severity of myoclonus following etomidate injection in Group O was significantly lower than in Group S (25.0% vs. 63.3% for total frequency; 0 vs. 10 for grade 3 severity, P<0.001). The total frequency and grade 3 intensity of withdrawal movements were significantly less in Group O than in Group S (6.7% vs. 73.3% for total frequency; 0 vs. 11 for grade 3 intensity, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Oxycodone is effective for simultaneously preventing etomidate-induced myoclonus and rocuronium-induced withdrawal movements during general anesthesia induction.

Keywords: Epilepsies, Myoclonic, Etomidate, Oxycodone