title: Comparison of induction characteristics of four intravenous anaesthetic agents.
abstract: The induction characteristics of thiopentone, etomidate and methohexitone have been compared to those of propofol (2,6 di-isopropyl phenol) in unpremedicated patients. Propofol 2.5 mg/kg caused significantly more hypotension, excitatory side effects and pain on injection at the dorsum of hand than thiopentone 5 mg/kg. However, with regard to the latter two sequelae, etomidate 0.3 mg/kg and methohexitone 1.5 mg/kg caused similar or more frequent upset. Propofol 2.0 mg/kg was equipotent with thiopentone 4.0 mg/kg in terms of successful induction of anaesthesia. Hypotension may contraindicate the use of propofol in the hypovolaemic or unfit patient.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005045:Etomidate / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008723:Methohexital / Q000494:pharmacology; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D010636:Phenols / Q000494:pharmacology; D015742:Propofol; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D013874:Thiopental / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D010636:Phenols; D008723:Methohexital; D013874:Thiopental; D015742:Propofol; D005045:Etomidate