The effect of propanidid on systemic vascular resistance in man

We have studied the peripheral vascular effect in man of propanidid 6 mg/kg, administered as a bolus injection during cardiopulmonary by-pass with the aorta cross-clamped and at constant perfusion flow. Ten measurements in eight patients were performed. A decrease was found in systemic vascular resistance: from 150.7 +/- 16.3 to 99.5 +/- 10.1 kPa x s/1. No venous pooling occurred. It is concluded that, in man, propanidid causes a vasodilation which must contribute to the hypotension it causes.