Neuroleptanalgesia in the rabbit

The efficacy of the neuroleptanalgesic combinations of fentanyl-fluanisone with diazepam; and etorphine-methotrimeprazine, either alone, or with diazepam, was investigated in the rabbit. The effects of these drugs on some cardiovascular variables were studied in chronically catheterized rabbits. Fentanyl-fluanisone and diazepam produced good surgical anaesthesia. Although respiratory depression occurred, this had little effect on blood gas values. In contrast, etorphine-methotrimeprazine and diazepam produced severe respiratory depression with consequent hypercapnia and acidosis.