CT1341: some effects in man

Abstract

CT1341 is a mixture of two steroids dissolved in cremophor EL (table 1). The results of studies in animals show that it is a rapidly acting intravenous induction agent with a high therapeutic index and is free from irritant effects when injected intravascularly 1. Initial studies in man2-5 have confirmed the animal findings, but its action on the cardiorespiratory system has not been previously fully investigated and therefore, in this study, measurements of the cardiorespiratory effects of CT1341 were undertaken in fit, unpremedicated patients prior to surgery. Electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and biochemical effects were also studied. METHODSThe purpose of the investigation was explained to the patients pre-operatively and written consent was obtained for the insertion of the arterial and venous cannulae, which were required for measurement of blood pressure, central venous pressure (CVP) and cardiac output. The patients were divided into three groups (table 2). Two standard dosages based on observations from animal studies1 were used and, in the case of the lower dosage, two rates of injection were employed.

The effects of althesin and thiopentone on sympathetic and baroreflex activity

“…The list includes thiopentone, xS,1G Althesin ( present study), methohexitone, ~6 pentobarbitone, 17,15 and ketamineJ 8 Unlike the others, ketamine is well known to cause pressor effects although not under all experimental conditions. 10 Neither Althesin nor thiopentone produced any substantial inhibition of baroreceptor-mediated reductions in sympathetic activity or arterial pressure. In some experiments, brief attenuation of these reflexes could be detected immediately after the injection of thiopentone 8 mg/kg or more.…”

The immediate cardiovascular effects of Althesin (Glaxo CT 1341), a steroid induction agent, and thiopentone in man

“…Campbell et al2 introduced the drug into clinical practice and reported its effects upon the cardiovascular system of six patients with major cardiac disease. Cardiovascular effects were also studied by Savege et al 3 in healthy unpremedicated patients prior to surgery.In this study some acute effects of Althesin upon the cardiovascular system have been investigated in healthy unpremedicated patients prior to surgery and compared with the effects of thiopentone in similar circumstances.…”

“…Campbell et al2 introduced the drug into clinical practice and reported its effects upon the cardiovascular system of six patients with major cardiac disease. Cardiovascular effects were also studied by Savege et al 3 in healthy unpremedicated patients prior to surgery.…”

An in vitro study of the effects of calcium on the cardiovascular actions of thiopentone, Althesin and ketamine in the rat

“…The barbiturate anaesthetics cause a fall in blood pressure (Conway & Ellis 1969) and direct myocardial depression by the barbiturates has been convincingly demonstrated (Dundee & Wyant 1974). Like the barbiturates, Althesin causes a fall in blood pressure (Savege et al 1972) but this is usually associated with an increase in heart rate (Savege et al 1971). Like the barbiturates, Althesin causes a fall in blood pressure (Savege et al 1972) but this is usually associated with an increase in heart rate (Savege et al 1971).…”