A re-evaluation of anticholergic premedication

One hundred and twenty healthy Nigerian female patients undergoing minor gynaecological operations were divided randomly into two groups. One group of 58 patients received intramuscular atropine as the only premedication on the ward while the other group of 62 patients received their atropine intravenously at the time of induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced with thipentone and maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen, and halothane using a facemask. There was equally satisfactory control of secretions in both groups. However, due to the occasional difficulties in achieving optimal timing of intramuscular atropine as well as the uncomfortably dry mouth complained of by 87.7 per cent of the patients who had intramuscular atropine, the intravenous administration at induction is to be preferred. Moreover, one saves the patient an extra injection.