The Use of Esmolol, Nicardipine, or Their Combination to Blunt Hemodynamic Changes After Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation

Abstract

Compared with no pretreatment before the IV induction of general anesthesia, the peak increase in blood pressure after laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation is best blunted by the combination of nicardipine and esmolol, compared with either drug alone. No single drug or combination in the doses tested opposed increased heart rate.