Question of the Day

When alpha 2-agonists are not part of the premedication prior to anesthetic induction with ketamine, use anti-cholinergics (e.g., atropine, glycopyrrolate) prior to anesthetic induction with ketamine to decrease salivation and airway secretions, and to increase heart rate.

Anti-cholinergics do not affect eye opening but they do cause pupil dilation. They also do not affect body temperature.

Remember that many anesthetic drugs (e.g., opiates, inhalant anesthetics) promote bradycardia (slowed heart rate) and may also decrease respirations. Anticholinergics, as parasympatholytics, will increase heart rate.