Effect of buprenorphine on the cardiovascular response to tracheal intubation

The effects of buprenorphine on the haemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation were studied in a placebo-controlled double-blind trial in 40 patients who had elective surgery. In one group saline was administered intravenously 8 minutes before induction, whereas the others received buprenorphine 2.5 micrograms/kg intravenously. Anaesthesia was induced in both groups with thiopentone 4 mg/kg followed by suxamethonium 1.5 mg/kg after 90 seconds. In the buprenorphine group, the maximum increase in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressures, heart rate and rate pressure product were significantly lower compared to the control group. It is concluded that buprenorphine is partially effective in attenuating the cardiovascular response to laryngoscopy and intubation, but does not obliterate it.