Effect of nicardipine on the cardiovascular response to tracheal intubation.

We studied the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in 30 patients who received nicardipine 15 micrograms kg-1 or 30 micrograms kg-1, or saline placebo 60 s before the start of laryngoscopy. Anaesthesia was induced with thiamylal 5 mg kg-1 i.v. and tracheal intubation was facilitated with vecuronium 0.2 mg kg-1. Patients receiving saline showed a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and rate-pressure product (RPP) associated with tracheal intubation. The increases in MAP and RPP following tracheal intubation were reduced in both groups of patients who received nicardipine.