Influence of spraying of ephedrine and furacilin nasal drops in different orders on electrocardiogram and blood pressure of trainees in pilot recruitment

  Background  Students with nasal mucosal congestion will receive low-dose ephedrine and furacilin nasal drops during pilot recruitment. However, the influence of this treatment on electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure (BP) remains unclear.

  Objective  To investigate the influence of spraying of low-dose ephedrine and furacilin nasal drops in different orders on ECG and BP, so as to provide references for rational drug use in pilot recruitment.

  Methods  Among more than 6000 grade 3 high school students who participated in the pilot recruitment of Air Force in 2020, 1911 candidates who required low-dose ephedrine and furacilin nasal drops were divided into group A (n=712) and group B (n=1 199). The candidates in group A firstly received spraying of ephedrine and furacilin nasal drops and then examination of ECG and BP, while the candidates in group B firstly received examination of ECG and BP and then spraying of ephedrine and furacilin nasal drops. The indices were compared between the two groups, and the changes in each index at different time points were observed for group B.

  Results  There were significant differences between the two groups in heart rate, QT interval, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure (P <0.05), while there were no significant differences in PR interval and electric axis between the two groups (P >0.05). For group A, a subgroup analysis was performed based on the interval between spraying and examination, and the results showed that there were significant differences in heart rate, diastolic pressure, and QT interval between the groups with intervals of <30 minutes, 30 to <60 minutes, 60 to <120 minutes, 120 to <180 minutes, and ≥180 minutes (P < 0.05). Pairwise comparison showed that for heart rate, diastolic pressure, and QT interval, the duration of drug effect was 30 minutes, 180 minutes, and 180 minutes, respectively.

  Conclusion   Low-dose ephedrine and furacilin nasal drops sprayed in different orders has a significant influence on heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and QT interval, and ECG and BP examinations should be conducted at 180 minutes after medication during physical examination for pilot recruitment.