Abstract

AbstractDroperidol, a potent neuroleptic, has been said to be an effective alpha-adrenergic blocking agent and should be effective in preventing hypertension caused by ketamine, a new anesthetic agent. Since our clinical observations did not support the effectiveness of droperidol as an alpha-adrenergic blocker, and since the literature contained reference primarily to this blocking action in dogs, we have done a comparative study in dogs and children. Droperidol was found effective in preventing the hypertensive response to ketamine in dogs, but not in children. This study reminds us that the actions seen in the research laboratory may not be manifest in the clinical situation, and that species transference of data, although usually reliable, is never absolute.