Haemodynamic effects of intravenous clonidine on propofol or thiopental induction

The study evaluated the effects of premedication with intravenous clonidine on thiopental or propofol requirements for induction and haemodynamic chan ges associated with both induction and endotracheal intubation. Clonidine a dministered intravenously before induction of anaesthesia reduced propofol or thiopental requirements. The association of clonidine and propofol cause d, after injection of the induction drug, a decrease in mean arterial press ure which was significantly greater than with thiopental. Moreover, a major haemodynamic stability was registered before and after laryngoscopy in the clonidine-thiopental group. These findings might contraindicate the clonid ine-propofol combination in patients with cardiovascular disease.