SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF AVERTIN

Abstract

Great care must be exercised in the preparation of solutions of avertin for anesthesia. Decomposition products formed by the action of heat (over 50[degree] C), light, and air are irritant to the rectal mucosa. In anesthetic doses avertin has no appreciable effect upon the cardio-vascular system. In larger doses it slows the rate and weakens the force of the heart beat. The coronary vessels dilate and the blood pressure falls. Avertin anesthesia is accompanied by marked slowing of respiration. Toxic doses cause death by respiratory paralysis. In both man and animals avertin is excreted in an unknown form in the urine over a period of several days. Considerably more than 50% is excreted in the first 24 hrs. Elimination probably occurs in the form of an organic compound of Br other than tribromethyl-alcohol or urobromalic acid.