The Effect of Sodium Evipan on the Cerebro-Spinal Fluid Pressure

Abstract

In view of the increasing use of intravenous sodium evipan as an anaesthetic, any contribution to the knowledge of its pharmacology would seem to be of value. It is known from experimental work and from clinical reports that injection of this drug causes a depression of both respiration and blood-pressure, and that jactitations or twitchings are often present during induction. The report of the Anaesthetics Committee of the Medical Research Council (1) states that there is generally a decrease in the rate of respiration, and that there is a transient fall in systolic blood-pressure of 20–30 mm. Hg. Weese (2) observed a decrease in rate and amplitude of respiration, and a fall of blood-pressure of not more than 20 mm. Hg. Jarman (3) found a fall of 20 mm. or more.