Atropine increases inspiratory flow during enflurane anaesthesia after pethidine premedication
Drummond, G.B.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 56(6): 565-572
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0912 PMID: 6721967 Document Number: 230051
The effects of atropine i.v. on inspired volume and occlusion pressure were measured in 3 groups of patients. Group PE received premedication with pethidine 50 mg and promethazine 12.5 mg i.m., and anesthesia was provided by 2% enflurane in 67% N2O. Group TE received temazepam 20 mg orally for premedication and similar anesthesia. Group TH received temazepam premedication and 1% halothane in 67% N2O. Atropine 0.02 mg kg-1 i.v. increased significantly the inspiratory flow in the first 1 s of inspiration, and this effect was greater in the group that received pethidine (9% increase in flow). Occlusion pressure did not change, and minute volume was not altered. Probably, atropine increases inspiratory flow after pethidine premedication without increasing the force developed during inspiration, possibly by bronchodilatation.