[On the use of physostigmine in anesthesia and intensive care]

Physostigmine is an antidote in cases of overdosage with intravenous anaesthetics such as dehydrobenzperidol, benzodiazepines and ketamine. It is also useful in antagonizing drug induced comas of different origin particularly in cases of acute intoxication with tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol. We discuss our therapeutic observations in anaesthesiological and intensive care patients. We have not seen any side effects after physostigmine administration, but the possibility of undesired parasympathomimetic activity demands correct indication, well calculated dosage and continuous surveillance of the patient.