Hemodynamic effects of gallamine and tubocurarine administered during halothane anesthesia

Abstract

The hemodynamic effects of gallamine triethiodide or curare administered during halothane anesthesia were investigated in ten volunteer patients before surgery. Cardiac output, heart rate, arterial pressure, and related factors were recorded five to ten times following the administration of either agent. The administration of gallamine increased cardiac output, heart rate, arterial pressure, and left ventricular work; decreased total peripheral resistance and mean transit time; and produced a variable response in stroke volume. Curare decreased arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance, but produced variable changes in other areas. The action of gallamine can be attributed to a cardiovagal block, myocardial stimulation, and a slight sympathetic ganglionic block. The effects of curare arise from a peripheal ganglionic block, myocardial depression, and possible histamine release. The results do not suggest any significant changed in the clinical use of either of these neuromuscular blocking agents with halothane.