Which one of the following agents sensitizes the myocardium to catecholamines?: (A) Ether, (B) Propofol, (C) Isoflurane, (D) Halothane
Answer is D. Halothane is an inhalational anaesthetic which sensitizes the myocardium to catecholamines and it produce severe ventricular arrhythmias. Other cardiovascular effects of halothane includes: 1.depression of myocardial contractility, 2.fall in blood pressure and cardiac output, and 3.predisposition to the development of re entrant tachyarrhythmias. Ref: Essentials of Medical Pharmacology By K D Tripathi, 5th Edition, Pages 339-40, 343.