Remifentanil prevents an increase in intraocular pressure after succinylcholine and tracheal intubation.

Abstract

We have studied changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in 30 patients after succinylcholine (suxamethonium) and tracheal intubation following administration of propofol 2 mg kg-1 and either remifentanil 1 microgram kg-1 (group R) or saline (group S). IOP was measured before induction, before administration of succinylcholine and the study drug, before intubation and for every 1 min after intubation for 5 min. There was a significant decrease in IOP in group R compared with group S from the time of administration of the study drugs to the end of the study (P < 0.006).