All of the following agents can be given for induction of anaesthesia in children except:

All of the following agents can be given for induction of anaesthesia in children except:

A. Halothane
B. Sevoflurane
C. Morphine
D. Nitrous Oxide

Answer is C. Morphine


Morphine should not be used in infants specially those less than 6 months of age.

According to "A Practice of Anaesthesia for Infants and Children", neonates are more sensitive to the respiratory depressant effects of Morphine, and it is rarely used to premedicate that age group. It also cites its use as a premedication and not as an inducing agent. Lee also states that morphine is also not commonly recommended in older children (3-10 years of age).

Most commonly used method for inducing gaseous anaesthesia in children is with Oxygen, with or without Nitrous Oxide and either Halothane or Sevoflurane.

• Halothane is well tolerated in children and the risk of halothane-induced hepatitis on repeated administration is small.

• Enflurane and Isoflurane are more pungent and not recommended

• Sevoflurane, if available is the agent of choice

• Nitrous Oxide is particularly useful because of the speed of induction, absence of cardiovascular and respiratory depression, its rapid onset and offset, and its powerful analgesic action.