SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE AS A HYPOTENSIVE AGENT IN GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

SUMMARY Sodium nitroprusside given by intravenous drip has been used to control hypertensive crises since 1929. Its evanescent action makes it suitable for controlled hypotension during general anaesthesia. Experience of its use in eighty-three cases is described, the drug being used during general anaesthesia with halothane. The patients were all undergoing surgery with the operating microscope, twenty-eight for hypophysectomy for secondary carcinoma. One death occurred in a severely ill patient with carcinomatosis which did not appear to be specifically related to the use of nitroprusside. In the other patients no adverse effects were seen and recovery to normal levels of blood pressure was rapid. The method of preparing the drug is described and it is suggested that it warrants further study in those cases where hypotensive anaesthesia is indicated.