Gabapentin pre-treatment for pressor response to direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study

Background: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation are associated with an increase in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of gabapentin in attenuation of these hemodynamic changes. Methods: Forty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia with standardized premedication and anesthetics were randomized to receive gabapentin or a matching placebo. The patients of Group I received gabapentin 600 mg orally 2 hrs before surgery and patients in Group II received a matching placebo. Patient's HR, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean BP (MBP), were monitored before and after 1, 2, 5, and 10 mins of endotracheal intubation. Results: Comparison of SBP, DBP, and MBP at 1, 2, 5 and 10 mins after endotracheal intubation showed statistically significant attenuation in the gabapentin group when compared to placebo. Changes in the HR were not significant. Conclusion: Gabapentin 600 mg, given 2 hrs before induction is effective in attenuating the pressor response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.