Analgesic effect of chlorpheniramine in rat anaesthesia with acepromazine – ketamine combination

Abstract

Introduction: Recently, antihistamines have been considered as analgesic agents. The present study aimed to investigate the analgesic function of chlorpheniramine combined with acepromazine-ketamine during anesthesia and surgery in rats. Methods & Materials: Twenty adult rats were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group received chlorpheniramine and 30 minutes later acepromazine–ketamine. The second group received normal saline initially and 30 minutes later acepromazine-ketamine. Pain reflexes were assessed by toe pinch test, tail pinch test and rats’ reflex to laparotomy during anesthesia. Induction time, light anesthesia duration, surgical anesthesia time, walking time, heart rate and respiratory rate were measured. Results: Duration of light anesthesia was shorter in group 2 than in group 1 (P < 0.05). Laparotomy pain score was significantly less in group 1. Toe pinch and tail pinch tests were not significantly different between the two groups. Heart rate was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: As a pre-anesthesia medication, chlorpheniramine induces appropriate anesthesia in rats in combination with acepromazine-ketamine. Thus, chlorpheniramine can be used in rats as a pre-anesthesia medication for surgical operations in combination with acepromazine-ketamine.