Influence of ketanserin, an antihypertensive agent with specific 5-HT2-receptor blocking activity, on intracranial...

During administration of ketanserin, a selective 5-HT2-receptor blocker, intracranial pressure (ICP) was measured in dogs without (group 1) and with (group 2) intracranial hypertension (ICP greater than 20 mm Hg). A bolus of 1 mg/kg body weight and subsequent infusion of 13.25 +/- 1.2 mg/kg of ketanserin decreased mean arterial pressure 35% +/- 18% in group 1 and 35% +/- 19% in group 2. In both groups, there was no change in ICP or in ventricular volume-pressure response curves (intracranial compliance [ICC]) after the administration of ketanserin. Ketanserin may be a safe antihypertensive drug for avoiding and treating hypertension in neurosurgical patients.