A comparative study of induction characteristics of thiopentone, midazolam and propofol in elderly patients

Background Intravenous anaesthetic agents are used commonly to induce anaesthesia, as induction is usually smoother and more rapid than that associated with most of the inhalation agents. Thiopentone is the most widely used intravenous induction agent in current anaesthetic practice. Propofol (2,6 diisopropyl phenol) is a new rapidly acting intravenous anaesthetic. The rapid redistribution and metabolism of propofol, result in a short elimination half life. Midazolam is an imidazobenzodiazepine with relatively rapid onset of action and high metabolic clearance compared to other benzodiazepine. Objectives This prospective study was carried out to compare the induction characteristics of thiopentone, midazolam and propofol in elderly patients. Methods Ninety adult patients, aged between 60-80 years with ASA grade I I 26(1): 5-11