Comparative Evaluation of Oral Gabapentin and Pregabalin Premedication for Attenuation of Pressor Response to Endotracheal Intubation under General Anaesthesia

Purpose: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation causes severe noxious stimuli that induce an intense sympathetic hemodynamic response. This study aims to investigate the effect and safety of oral gabapentin and pregabalin in attenuating these responses. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study in which 90 adult ASA I and II patients undergoing elective surgery of both sexes were divided into three groups. Group A received placebo, Group B received oral gabapentin 800mg and Group C received pregabalin 150mg orally. Base line heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and before induction, after induction, at the time of laryngoscopy and at the end of 0, 1, 3, 5 and 10min were recorded. Sedation score of all the 3 groups were recorded. 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 being more sedative than gabapentin is better than gabapentin in suppressing the pressor response. Conclusion: Oral gabapentin and pregabalin is a safe, simple and economical method in attenuating the pressor response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.