A Comparative Study of Oral Pregabalin versus Gabapentin on Hemodynamic Responses to Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation under General Anaestesia

Background and Aim- Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation are potent stimuli that can induce increased sympathetic activity leading to tachycardia, hypertension and dysrrhythmias. Various drugs and methods have been tried to obtund this response. To obtain ideal drugs, studies still continue. We compared the efficacy of pregabalin and gabapentin to attenuate the pressor response during laryngoscopy and intubation. Method- Total 120 patients of ASA grade I& II scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia, were randomized into three groups. Group A received oral pregabalin 150mg 2 hrs prior to surgery, group B received oral gabapentin 800mg 2 hrs prior to surgery and group C received oral placebo 2 hrs prior to surgery. Heart rate and blood pressure (SBP, DBP& MAP) were recorded at baseline, before induction, before intubation, during laryngoscopy, 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after intubation. Results- When compared to gabapentin and pregabalin, there was a significant increase in HR and MAP in control group after laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Pregabalin was better than gabapentin in suppressing the pressor response. Conclusion- Pregabalin appears to be better than Gabapentin for control of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Both drugs have anti-nociceptive effects that may be beneficial for controlling post-operative pain. s- Pregabalin, Gabapentin, hemodynamic changes and endotracheal intubation.