Propofol is Effective to Depress Fentanyl-Induced Cough during Induction of Anesthesia

Various attempts have been made to reduce the incidence of fentanyl-induced cough during anesthesia induction. We hypothesized that an appropriate dose of propofol might suppress fentanyl-induced cough.

A study had been designed to observe the effects of propofol on a fentanyl-induced cough during anesthesia induction.

We performed a randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the effect of the pre-emptive use of minimal dose intravenous propofol (20 mg) on the incidence of cough caused by a larger bolus of intravenous fentanyl. Group 1 patients were given fentanyl at a dosage of 4 µg/kg. Group 2 received 4µg/kg fentanyl and 20 mg propofol. The two groups were evaluated in 0, 5 and 10 second intervals following the injection of fentanyl.

Mean age, weight, and, height was 35 ± 10.45, 67.99 ± 10.92, and 165.33 ± 31.84 respectively. The incidence of fentanyl induced cough was 29 (74.4%) in placebo group compared with 10 (25.6%) in the propofol group. There was a significant difference in the incidence and severity of cough between group 1 and 2 (P < 0.0001). This study also showed that propofol could decrease cough incidence in patients who smoke.

Priming dose of propofol (20mg) one minute prior to fentanyl injection was effective in suppressing a fentanyl-induced cough.