We investigated the effect of IV nicardipine on haemodynamic and bispectral index responses to the induction of general anaesthesia and intubation. Forty patients were randomly allocated to two groups of 20 to receive normal saline or nicardipine 15 microg/kg IV 30 s after induction. Ninety seconds later, tracheal intubation was performed. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate and bispectral index were measured at baseline, 1 min after induction, pre-intubation, and every minute until 5 min after endotracheal intubation. Rate-pressure product values were calculated. In the nicardipine group, systolic blood pressure decreased compared with the control group, and heart rate increased comparedwith the control group. Bispectral index and rate-pressure product showed no differences between the two groups. In conclusion, the administration of 15 microg/kg nicardipine IV does not affect anaesthetic depth in response to the induction of general anaesthesia and intubation.