Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Introduction: Direct larynges copy and intubation following induction of general anaesthesia is associated with reflex sympathetic discharge caused by epi-pharyngeal and laryngo-pharyngeal stimulation and release of catecholamines manifesting in tachycardia and hypertension. Various pharmacological agents and several supporting studies are available to attenuate this response. Aim: To compare the effect of oral premedication on cardiovascular response to direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation with oral clonidine 150 µg and oral gabapentin 800 mg. Material & Methods: In this prospective randomized and double-blind study 80 patients of ASA class-I and II (American Society of Anesthesiologists) of age between 18-60 years were included. Patients were randomly and equally divided into group C and group G and received premedication with oral Clonidine150 µg and oral Gabapentin 800 mg respectively. Monitoring of hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) and heart rate noted just before induction, and readings were recorded before intubation and also postintubation at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS17.0. Results: Premedication with oral clonidine 150 µg and oral gabapentin 800 mg, both are effective in blunting pressor response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Oral premedication with Clonidine was more effective than premedication with oral gabapentin for controlling pressor response associated with laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Conclusion: Oral premedication by both the drugs can be used as an effective measure to attenuate the reflex sympathetic response to direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation, but clonidine is more effective than gabapentin.

Keywords: Clonidine, Gabapentin, Pressor Response, Laryngoscopy, Intubation.