Attempted reduction of the cardiostimulatory effects of ketamine by labetalol*

Abstract
Labetalol, a new antihypertensive agent with alpha and beta-adrenoceptor blocking properties was given to five series of patients anaesthetised with a ketamine infusion. in an attempt to reduce the cardiostimulatory effects of ketamine. It proved very effective in controlling the chronotrophic action of ketamine but was unreliable in controlling the rise in blood pressure. In doses of 1.0 mg kg-1 given with tubocurarine, it was not without side effects.