The effect of atracurium or fazadinium on intra-ocular pressure. A comparative study during induction of general anaesthesia.

The effect of atracurium 0.6 mg/kg (group A; n = 11) and fazadinium 1 mg/kg (group F; n = 11) on intraocular pressure (IOP) was investigated in 22 patients during induction of anaesthesia with thiopentone 4 mg/kg and fentanyl 0.015 mg/kg. IOP was significantly reduced (p less than 0.01) in all patients following induction of anaesthesia. Intubation produced a rise in IOP in all patients but this was not statistically significant and remained below pre-induction values. The changes were similar in each group. Both of these neuromuscular blockers appear suitable relaxants to use for intraocular surgery.