contraindications
Last reviewed 01/2018
- the high potency of IV anaesthetics leads to a risk of apnoea and hypotension; adequate resuscitative measures must be available at all times
- avoid large doses in obstetrics as there is a risk of transplacental transfer
- contraindicated if the airway is at risk, e.g. swelling or surgery to the oropharynx:
- respiratory apnoea is common with IV induction agents and emergency intubation may be difficult; it is safer to intubate and give volatile agents, e.g. halothane
- an experienced anaesthetist must be present at all episodes of upper airway obstruction, e.g. acute epiglottis - tracheostomy may be required