Pressor responses to tracheal intubation after sublingual captopril. A pilot study

The effect of sublingual captopril on the pressor response to intubation was studied in 40 patients. Captopril was used in one of two doses (12.5 mg and 25 mg) 25 minutes before tracheal intubation. Both doses were associated with a significant reduction in the pressor response to intubation (p less than 0.05) compared to placebo, but no significant difference existed between the two doses. Neither dose controlled changes in heart rate at intubation. Untoward hypotension occurred in the treatment groups. Caution is advised in the peri-operative use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.