Experimental observations on propranolol in anaesthesia

Abstract

Epeniphrine-induced arrhythmias in dogs during anaesthesia with diethyl ether, azeotrope halothane/ether, halothane, and methoxyflurane were treated with intravenous propranolol 0.5 mg. There was no demonstrable difference between dogs so treated and controls. All arrhythmias reverted within 122 seconds, with a mean reversal time of 47 seconds. It is suggested that propranolol may not have had time to exert its effect so soon and that the arrhythmias are self-limiting. A method of prophylaxis utilizing a propranolol-epinephrine solution for infiltration anaesthesia and vasoconstriction is suggested as a preferable alternative to treating epinephrine-induced arrhythmias with propranolol. An arousal effect, associated with hyperpnoea, was observed in propranolol during general anaesthesia. © 1969 Canadian Anesthesiologists.