To Study the Efficacy of Oral Gabapentin for Attenuation of the Hemodynamic Response to Direct Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation

Introduction: Since the inception of general anesthesia it has been well recognized that laryngoscopy & tracheal intubation is a noxious stimulus, which is associated with hemodynamic changes in the form of increase in blood pressure & heart rate [1, 2 & 3]. We conducted a prospective, randomised, double‑blind, clinical trial to examine whether a single preoperative dose of 800 mg oral gabapentin would be effective in blunting the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy & tracheal intubation.

Aims and Objectives: The main objective of the study is to see the effect of administering oral Gabapentin 800 mg on direct laryngoscopy & tracheal intubation. The secondary objective is to study any side effect of oral dose of 800 mg of Gabapentin like, Dizziness, Somnolence, Nausea, Vomiting and others.

Methods: After obtaining institutional ethical clearance, study was conducted for 2 years from October 2020 to October 2022 at tertiary care center.60 patients of either sex (18–50 years of age) undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 patients each. Patients of Group A received oral gabapentin 800 mg 2 hr before anticipated intubation, while patients in Group B received oral placebo at the same time.

Results: Patients receiving gabapentin 800 mg showed remarkable decrease in HR, MAP, SBP and DBP in response to tracheal intubation (P < 0.05) compared to placebo group.None of the patient has suffered from any side‑effects.

Conclusion: Oral Gabapentin 800 mg is efficacious and safe in blunting the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.