Flunitrazepam compared with althesin as an induction agent in balanced anaesthesia.

The effects of flunitrazepam and Althesin as anaesthetic induction agents were studied in a double-blind trial in 97 patients undergoing abdominal or gynaecological surgery. There was no difference between the two preparations in respect of the quality of induction. A marked difference in the quality of maintenance of anaesthesia were seen, in favour of flunitrazepam. Recovery was more rapid from Althesin anaesthesia. A low incidence of nausea was observed in both groups.