The induction characteristics, dosage requirements, cardiovascular and respiratory effects of propofol with added lignocaine were compared with those of thiopentone and halothane inhalational induction in two groups of children aged 1-5 years and 5-10 years. Propofol induction produced significantly greater decreases in blood pressure, particularly in the 1-5 year age group. Heart rate was maintained well with all three induction techniques. Pain on injection into a vein on the dorsum of the hand was significantly more common with propofol despite the addition of lignocaine. However, this was mild in the majority of children and did not interfere with the induction of anaesthesia. The incidence of respiratory depression and other adverse effects was low with all three induction methods. The mean induction doses of both intravenous agents were greater in the 1-5-year age group. The ratio of thiopentone to propofol dose was approximately 2.5:1 in both age groups. The high incidence of pain on injection with propofol may prove to be a significant drawback to its otherwise satisfactory use in children.