Alcuronium and intraocular pressure.

The effects of alcuronium on intraocular pressure (IOP) was studied in 20 patients undergoing elective ophthalmic surgery. IOP was measured with the Schiötz indentation tonometer before induction, after induction, and after tracheal intubation. Combined administration of a standardized sleep dose of thiopental (5 mg/kg) and alcuronium (0.25-0.30 mg/kg) significantly (P less than 0.001) decreased IOP from control values of 15.3 +/- 2.33 mm Hg (mean +/- SD) to 8.91 +/- 2.15 mm Hg. Intubation of the trachea significantly (P less than 0.001) increased IOP to 12.58 +/- 3.05 mm Hg, a level still significantly (P less than 0.001) lower than control values.