[The amount of histamine released in vivo by hypnotics (thiopental, methohexital, propofol) studied by assays of plasma histamine].

Accidents observed during induction of anaesthesia are most often linked to non-specific histamine liberation. The sale of new hypnotics (Methohexital and Propofol), has brought the hope that their histamine-liberation potential would be lower. The study was done in patients who were at risk of histamine-liberation (atopics, drug allergies etc.). Two series of patients were studied after anti H1 and tranquilizer premedication. Histamine liberation by Propofol versus Thiopental as the inducer was studied in the first group. In the second, the combination was Methohexital versus Thiopental. In both series studied the new hypnotics Propofol and Methohexital did not release histamine non-specifically in atopics at risk. Neither clinical reactions non increase of histamineamia were seen. It is concluded that these two new drugs are safe.