CIMETADINE AS A PREOPERATIVE-MEDICATION TO REDUCE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ASPIRATION OF GASTRIC CONTENTS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 87  (2) , 205-208
Abstract
In an effort to decrease gastric residual and acid content prior to operation and thus to decrease the risk of aspiration, a prospective clinical trial comparing 3 drugs was carried out. Patients (84) undergoing elective craniotomy for a space-occupying lesion were studied. A total of 28 patients were premedicated with the anticholinergic atropine (0.01 mg/kg); 28 were administered the anticholinergic glycopyrrolate (0.005 mg/kg); and 28 were given 3 preoperative doses of cimetadine and no anticholinergic. Gastric acidity was elevated above pH 2.5 in 93% of those receiving cimetadine, in comparison to 54% for glycopyrrolate and 29% with atropine. The stomach was completely dry in 54% following cimetadine, and in only 25% and 11% following glycopyrrolate and atropine. Cimetadine is more effective as a preanesthetic agent than anticholinergic drugs in decreasing gastric residual and acid content, and essentially eliminates the risk of aspiration.

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