Adverse effects of anaesthetic drug combinations in a complete cycle of anaesthesia in albino rats

Abstract

Background and aim: Drugs used in anaesthesia span through pre-medication, induction, muscle relaxation, maintenance and reversal  phases in achieving adequate surgical procedures. Due to lack of information in adverse effects of combined anaesthetic drugs, the study  assessed the adverse effects pattern in albino rats to ensure safety in a complete cycle of anaesthesia.

Methods: This study was  carried out using sixty-six albino rats that were randomly selected grouped into eleven according to different stages of drug use in  anaesthesia. The anaesthetic drugs (Diazepam, Atropine, Neostigmine, Propofol, Atracurium, Fentanyl, Thiopentone, Pentazocine,  Midazolam, Suxamethonium, Pethidine, Ketamine, Bupivacaine, Pancuronium and Pethidine) were grouped as in the categories of pre- medication, induction, muscle relaxation, maintenance and reversal stages. They were administered intraperitoneally at 30 minutes  interval for a period of twenty-eight days in computed standard doses. The albino rats were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia, blood samples collected and assayed for glucose, lipids, liver, renal and haematological indices as toxicity markers. Results were  computed and analysed statistically.

Results: Out of the thirty-six toxicity markers assessed, the thirteen parameters that changed  significantly were: glucose, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, white blood cells, lymphocytes, red blood cells, platelets, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino transferase, potassium, and bicarbonate (P<0.05). Group 5 rats dosed with  Diazepam, Thiopentone, Atracurium, Pentazocine, Neostigmine and Atropine, and Group 6 rats administered with Diazepam, Midazolam,  Suxamethonium, Pethidine and Atropine, the toxicity parameters least significantly. However, group 7 rats that received Diazepam,  Ketamine, Suxamethonium, Pentazocine and Atropine combinations changed the toxicity parameters most significantly. All the animals in  group 8 died after the first two weeks of drug administration. 

Conclusion: The results in this study, showed variable adverse effects  pattern of anaesthetic agents at various stages of anaesthesia. It is therefore recommended that adequate precaution should be  exercised in the selection to ensure safety in a complete cycle of anaesthesia during surgical procedures.