EFFECTS OF ALFENTANIL ON THE PRESSOR AND CATECHOLAMINE RESPONSES TO TRACHEAL INTUBATION

The effects of alfentanil (given during induction of anaesthesia)on the haemodynamic and catecholamine responses to trachealintubation were studied in 44 adult patients who received alfentanil10 µg kg^–1 or 40 µg kg^–1, or salineplacebo. Alfentanil 10 µg kg^–1 and 40 fig kg^–1prevented any increase in heart rate and arterial pressure aftertracheal intubation. Alfentanil 40 µg kg^–1 producedprofound hypotension and bradycardia. The use of alfentanilin both doses was associated with a decrease in plasma adrenalineconcentrations after tracheal intubation.