4-substituted imidazole derivatives useful in perioperative care

A method of perioperative treatment of mammals to reduce the responses of the autonomic nervous system to stressful stimuli during an operation by administering to said mammal in whom such reduction is desired an effective amount of dextro 4-[1-(2,3-dimethylpheny)-ethyl] -1H-imidazole or a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof substantially in the absence of the laevo form of said compound.