Cisatracurium and atracurium were incubated in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C) with and without the addition of carboxylesterase. Control measurements with an added esterase inhibitor were performed separately. Cisatracurium/atracurium and their degradation products, laudanosine and monoquaternary acid, were analysed using high-pressure liquid chromatography.