Background and objective: In this randomized, double-blind study, we aimed to investigate the effect of aminophylline on recovery from sevoflurane.

Methods: One-hundred ASA I–II patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly divided into two groups receiving either NaCl 0.9% (Group 1, n = 50) or aminophylline 5 mg kg−1 (Group 2, n = 50). All patients were premedicated with atropine 0.01 mg kg−1 and midazolam 0.06 mg kg−1 intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg kg−1 for muscle relaxation, and atracurium 0.5 mg kg−1 was maintained with sevoflurane 2% in 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide. Further atracurium (0.1 mg kg−1 was given when needed. Aminophylline or saline was given after sevoflurane was discontinued. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, the duration of anaesthesia and recovery times (eye opening, verbal response, extubation and successful performance of arithmetical calculations) were recorded.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation and anaesthesia time between the two groups. Heart rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) after aminophylline and was also higher than in the placebo group. Recovery times were significantly shorter (P < 0.001) in the patients receiving aminophylline.

Conclusions: Aminophylline speeded recovery after sevoflurane anaesthesia and it may have some advantage in anaesthesia practice for patients.