The effect of intramuscular ephedrine in prevention of hypotension due to propofol

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intramuscular (IM) ephedrine before injection of propofol, to reduce hypotension. Methodology: It was a prospective, hospital based study conducted during March 2003 to December 2003, at Nikookary Hospital, Tabriz Medical Science University, Iran. This study was performed on one hundred patients who were candidates for elective ophthalmic surgeries randomized to two groups of 50 patients. In one group (group A) ephedrine 10mg (2cc) and in other group (group B) sterile water 2cc were injected intramuscularly. Twenty minutes before induction of anesthesia or before injection of propofol, during intubation, in 1(st), 4(th), 7(th) and 10(th) minutes of anesthesia blood pressure and heart rate were measured in both groups. The mean values were compared in two groups. Results: There was only one case with significant mean diastolic blood pressure drop at 1(st) minute after intubation in group A comparing with group B. P=0.001. In other cases, differences of mean blood pressures were not significant. Also heart rates in all mentioned minutes were significantly higher in group A than group B. P<0.05). Conclusion: IM injection of ephedrine before induction of anaesthesia with propofol does not have any significant effect in decreasing of patient's hypotension during operation, however it increases their heart rates. According to the potential hazards of the later complication, especially in old patients, this procedure is not recommended.