Anticholinergic drugs in anaesthesia

Abstract

A survey was carried out amongst anaesthetists in the United Kingdom and Ireland regarding the use of anticholinergic drugs. Sixty-two per cent of these anaesthetists use these drugs routinely in premedication. The drugs are nearly always atropine or hyoscine and are used mainly for reducing secretions and protection against vagal stimulation. A longer-acting drug was desired by 22% and 60% would like to use an orally effective anticholinergic drug. Though quite a number of minor side effects are high-lighted, the majority do not consider these serious enough to stop routine use. There is now a tendency amongst many anaesthetists either not to use these drugs routinely or use them less often, more rationally and in reduced dosage.