Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 12, 486-498, Copyright © 1965 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Succinylcholine and Acetazolamide (Diamox) in Anaesthesia for Ocular Surgery

¹ Department of Anaesthesia, Winnipeg General Hospital

A review of the physiology and pharmacology of intraocular pressure as related to anaesthesia has been presented A study has been undertaken to determine whether previously administered acetazolamide would prevent the dangerous rise in intraocular pressure accompanying the use of succinylcholine in anaesthesia, so that succinylcholine might be safely employed in cataract extractions and coineal transplants, and in patients suffering from glaucoma.

The ocular tensions of two series of 25 anaesthetized patients, have been studied Acetazolamide (Diamox) and succinylcholine were given to the test group, and succinylcholine only to the control group The mean values of the successive readings, the standard deviations, and the upper and lower limits of the basal observations have been calculated The results are given in tables and the mean values are expressed graphically to facilitate their comparison.

Significant deviations have been found after succinylcholiine alone, but not when acetazolamide was given before the succinylcholine The readings in the test group remained within the accepted normal limits for the intraocular tension.

This study therefore indicates the practical value of acetazolamide as a means of avoiding the significant elevations in intraocular tensions produced by succinylcholine.

Note:

Presented in part at the annual meeting of the Western Division, Canadian Anaesthetists' Society, March, 1965