Intransal adminstration of nitroglycerine attenuates the pressor responsive to laryngoscopy and intubation of the trachea

Abstract

The intranasal administration of nitroglycerine (NTG) was undertaken in 35 adult female patients 1 min before the induction of anaesthesia. A control group consisting of 32 patients did not receive NTG. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before the induction of anaesthesia and at 0,3, and 5 min after tracheal intubation. SAP did not increase significantly in the NTG group immediately after intubation, while significant decreases in SAP were observed at 3 and 5 min (P>0.005 and P<0.001 respectively). SAP did increase significantly in the control group. HR was increased in both groups immediately after intubation (P<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively). NTG administered intranasally is a safe, simple and effective method to attenuate the hypertensive response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. © 1983 The Macmillan Press Ltd.