BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the effect of a endotracheal intubation & induction of anesthesia using propofol 2.0 mg/kg or 2.5 mg/kg and fentanyl 2 g/kg without succinylcholine chloride. Also we have compared this method with technique using succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg and thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg. METHODS: They were divided into 3 groups as follows: group 1, succinylcholine 1~1.5 mg/kg and thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg; group 2, propofol 2 mg/kg and fentanyl 2 microgram/kg; group 3, propofol 2.5 mg/kg and fentanyl 2 microgram/kg. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and heart rate (HR) were measured before induction, after induction, after tracheal intubation immediately, at 1, 2, 3, and 5min. after tracheal intubation in all patients. The incidence of adverse effects and the quality of condition for intubation were measured in all patients. RESULTS: There were significant increases in SAP, DAP, HR after intubation in group 1 but significant decreases in SAP, DAP after induction and at 5min. after intubation in group 2 and group 3. The incidence of adverse effects, and the quality of condition for intubation were no significant difference between group 1 and group 3. CONCLUSIONS: From the above result, use of propofol 2.5 mg/kg and fentanyl 2microgram/kg provided a satisfactory alternative to succinylcholine and thiopental sodium for rapid sequence induction of anesthesia.