Background:Use of drugs with short apnea duration and less hemodynamic changes for intubation of trachea in intensive care units is necessary. This study compares the effects of propofol and sodium thiopental on hemodynamic changes and apnea duration after tracheal intubation in patients admitted to intensive care units. 
Methods:In this double blind clinical trial, 25 ICU-admitted patients were evaluated. They were intubated two times with 72 hours interval, once received 1.5mg/kg sodium thiopental, and the other time 0.75 mg/kg propofol, while the drug used for intubation in the first time was randomly selected. Hemodynamic variables include systolic and diastolic BP, heart rate, MAP, RPP, MAP/HR and apnea duration in two times, during pre intubation, intubation and after intubation were measured.Data were analysed with statistical tests of independent's t and ANOVA repeated test.
Results: In comparison with pre-intubation, hemodynamic variables such as systolic and diastolic BP, MAP and MAP/HR were decresed during tracheal intubation in both groups, but range of changes in propofol group is less than those of thiopental group and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.0001).
Conclusion:In comparison with thiopental, Propofol has fewer changes in hemodynamics in patients who needed tracheal intubation, and also has short er apnea period. Accordingly use of propofol over thiopental is recommended for tracheal intubation in ICU patients.