[Sedation with flunitrazepam during spinal anesthesia]

The clinical effects of flunitrazepam (FNZ) as IV sedative agent for spinal anaesthesia was studied. Of 112 elderly patients undergoing hip surgery, 40.2% have required a total dose of 26.6 +/- 2.3 mcg X kg-1. The repeat doses were 9.3 to 13.3 mcg X kg-1. A good state of sedation was obtained in 81% of patients, with a linear relationship between narcosis states and FNZ's doses. In 93% of cases, FNZ was provided peroperative amnesia without post-operative somnolence. No clinically adverse cardiovascular effects were encountered. There was a small, but statistically significant increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension. In summary, FNZ provided useful sedation.