Studies of drugs given before anaesthesia. IX. Morphine with tacrine.

Morphine and morphine with tacrine (tetrahydroaminacrine) have been compared when given intramuscularly as premedication, with regard to the pre-operative state of the patient, course of anaesthesia, sequelae, and effects on reactions to suxamethonium. Tacrine appeared to increase the pre-operative toxic effects of morphine, namely dizziness and nausea. During anaesthesia, hypotension was less common and postoperative recovery more rapid. However, vomiting and nausea during the first 6 hours after anaesthesia were more frequent. The neuromuscular blocking action of suxamethonium was prolonged and postoperative muscle pains were more common in the morphine-with-tacrine group, contrary to the findings of previous workers.