ABSTRACT

Hypotension and injection pain are the most frequently seen disadvantages of propofol during induction. In our study we aimed to investigate if ephedrine could prevent these adverse effects of propofol when combined to it.

After the approval of ethical committee, ASA 1, 40 patients with, 8-40 years of age, scheduled for outpatient surgery, were randomly divided into two groups. Patients were informed of injection pain and verbal rating scale (VRS) was used to evaluate it. 500 cc ringer lactate has been administered for hydration. Following standard monitorization, in Group E propofol 2.5 mg/kg+ ephedrine 10 mg/kg (2 ml) and in Group K 2.5 mg/kg propofol+ 2 ml saline solutions were injected within 30 sec. Vecuronium 0.15mg/kg was used to facilitate intubation and standard anesthesia was used during operation in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at induction and at 1,2,3 min. after induction, at the time of intubation and with 10 min intervals thereafter.

Demographic data and HR of patients were comparable between groups. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures in Group K were found significantly lower than Group E (p<0.05). When compared to initial levels, blood pressure changes in Group E were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Regarding VRS levels, injection pain in Group E was significantly low (p<0.05).

When combined to propofol during induction, 10 mg ephedrine reduces the injection pain and incidence of hypotension without causing any adverse effects.

Keywords: propofol, ephedrine, hypotension, injection pain