Physostigmine reversal of postoperative somnolence

Postoperative somnolence in patients after carotid endarterectomy.

Eighty-one patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were divided into two groups based on the degree of stenosis of the carotid artery. Group I, 37 patients, was defined as having severe carotid stenosis (greater than 70%). Group II, 44 patients, was defined as having mild (less than 40%) or moderate (40% to 70%) carotid artery stenosis. Both groups were evaluated for neurologic and psycholog...

Neostigmine reversal doesn’t improve postoperative respiratory safety

Physostigmine induced reversal of ischemia following acute middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat.

Cerebral cortical ischemia was induced in anesthetized rats by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured with the H2 clearance technique in the center and periphery of the ischemic territory. A decrease of CBF to about 50% of pre-occlusion values was observed in both areas. Administration of Physostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, at a dose of 0.15...

Physostigmine as an Antidote

Introduction: Rapid treatment of patients with anticholinergic toxicity in the Ernergcncy Department (ED) has remained problematic for many years. These patients are often agitated. uncooperative, and unable to provide a clear history. Physostigmine is a specific antidote for anticholinergic toxicity. yet its popularity has waned due to controversy surrounding its potential central nervo~is sys...

Atrial fibrillation following physostigmine.

The side effects of physostigmine, a tertiary amine anticholinesterase agent commonly used to treat postanaesthetic depression caused by a large number of drugs, are thought to be fairly mild. A case is reported in which atrial fibrillation followed a total dose of 2 mg of this drug to a patient who was slow in recovering from a general anaesthetic. The arrhythmia was self-limiting and required...