Experiences with physostigmine in the reversal of adverse post-anaesthetic effects

Physostigmine salicylate has proved to be a very useful agent for use in the recovery room. All but two of our first 110 patients receiving it were returned to full consciousness, whether they had been comatose or agitated. In our hands it has been used to reverse the adverse central effects of tranquilizers, antihistamines and belladonna alkaloids.