Physiological Effects Of Trimperazine As Premedication For

Dental Treatment In Pre-School Children

This study evaluated the effect of different doses of trimeprazine on some physiological parameters and the side effects of the drug in 30 healthy but uncooperative preschool children who were undergoing dental treatment. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation (Sa0₂) were assessed during specific treatment procedures in relation to the different doses of the medication. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA model with interaction were used to analyze the effects of drug dosage and dental procedures on the physiological parameters. In spite of the inverse relationship between blood pressure and pulse rate with the dose of trimeprazine used, the highest dose of the drug could not counteract the effect of dental treatment so that the systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as pulse rate were significantly affected by dental treatment in these children. However, trimeprazine proved to be an effective sedative and antiemetic with little or no anxiolytic effect. Other side effects observed were prolonged onset of action, delayed recovery from drug effect and increase in thirst hence the drug may not be suitable for a dehydrated child.

Saudi Dental Journal 1995;7(3):148-154