[Hemodynamic effects in antagonism of neuromuscular blockage: atropine-pyridostigmine versus ipratropium bromide-pyridostigmine].

Antagonism of neuromuscular block using cholinesterase inhibitors and atropine is charged with several risks, which are at least partly caused by pharmacological characteristics of the anticholinergic drugs, e.g. short duration of action causing secondary bradycardia. Compared to atropine, ipratropium bromide, a new anticholinergic drug, is--due to its quarternary ammonium compound--characterized by longer duration of action. In contrast to atropine, this substance does not penetrate the blood-brain and placental barrier. Our present study was designed to compare the haemodynamic effects of both substances, using invasive monitoring, during antagonism of neuromuscular block with pyridostigmine. In contrast to atropine, ipratropium bromide induced a higher degree of initial tachycardia but did not allow secondary reduction of heart rate by rebound vagal stimulation. While cardiac output was almost constant, ipratropium bromide caused changes in stroke volume, which were due to alterations in heart rate. There were no clinically relevant changes of the other haemodynamic parameters. Cardiac arrhythmia were observed more often after administration of atropine and were of longer duration. In conclusion, ipratropium bromide is a useful alternative to atropine in patients with pre existing low heart rate and bradyarrhythmia.