The present invention provides a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition which includes effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii), a local anaesthetic for arresting, protecting and/or preserving an organ which includes administering effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) local anaesthetic to a subject in need thereof.