Depression of excitatory effects of propofol induction by fentanyl

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic drug commonly used in outpatient anesthesia for its rapid and smooth onset of action, short recovery period and its minimal perioperative side effects. However, propofol like other intravenous anesthetic drugs can produce excitatory signs during induction without signs of epilepsy on EEG. We studied 64 patients scheduled for various outpatient procedures. The patients were allocated to 2 groups: Group A (n = 32) received on induction xylocaine 1 mg.Kg-1 followed by propofol 2 mg.Kg-1 over 20 seconds, Group B (n = 32) received xylocaine 1 mg.Kg-1 and fentanyl 1.5 ug.Kg-1 followed by propofol 2 mg.Kg-1 over 20 seconds. The incidence of excitatory movements (cough, hiccup, hypertonus, twitching or tremors) was in group A (13) significantly higher than that in group B (1), there was no significant difference between the two groups in the time of stay in the post anesthesia care unit. Fentanyl 1.5 ug.Kg-1 used in outpatient anesthesia with propofol 2 mg.Kg-1 provides cardio-vascular stability, deepens the anesthesia level, decrease the awareness and decrease the excitatory effects or propofol.