METOPROLOL DECREASES THE AMOUNT OF HALOTHANE REQUIRED TO INDUCE HYPOTENSION DURING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study was undertaken to assess the effects of metoprolol on controlled hypotension during halothane anaesthesia. Nineteen patients undergoing middle ear or nasal septum surgery were studied. The aim was to achieve a 25% reduction of the mean arterial pressure in both groups. Metoprolol was given by mouth on two occasions in the 10–12 h before operation. In the group pretreated with metoprolol the halothane concentration was reduced by 35.5%. The duration of bleeding and its degree were reduced significantly. The time to awakening was shorter and of better quality after pretreatment with metoprolol. Rate-pressure product was less after pretreatment with and rebound hypertension was well controlled.