Effects of alfentanil on the pressor and catecholamine responses to tracheal intubation

Abstract

The effects of alfentanil (given during induction of anaesthesia) on the haemodynamic and catecholamine responses to tracheal intubation were studied in 44 adult patients who received alfentanil 10 μg kg-1 or 40 μg kg-1, or saline placebo. Alfentanil 10 μg kg-1 and 40 fig kg-1 prevented any increase in heart rate and arterial pressure after tracheal intubation. Alfentanil 40 μg kg-1 produced profound hypotension and bradycardia. The use of alfentanil in both doses was associated with a decrease in plasma adrenaline concentrations after tracheal intubation. © 1987 British Journal of Anaesthesia.