Comparison of Different Doses of Pregabalin to Prevent Succinylcholine-Initiated Fasciculations and Myalgia in Patients Under General Anesthesia: A Randomised Controlled Study

Background Succinylcholine (SCh) is the most commonly used muscle relaxant during endotracheal intubation, and it is known to cause fasciculations and postoperative myalgia. Pregabalin is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is known to reduce SCh-induced fasciculations and myalgia. Materials and methods This study was conducted on patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia. A total of 201 patients of both genders were assigned to one of the following groups: Group PL (pregabalin low dose) received cap pregabalin 75 mg, Group PH (pregabalin high dose) received cap pregabalin 150 mg, and Group P (placebo) received saccharine pill 10 mg, administered two hours prior to surgery. Results Both the incidence and severity of fasciculations and myalgia were reduced in patients who received pregabalin compared to the placebo group (PH>PL>P). It was observed that as the severity of fasciculations increased, myalgia also increased. The time of the first analgesic dose was longer in the pregabalin group (PH>PL>P). The attenuation of pressor response and hemodynamic stability was greater in the pregabalin group (Group PH>PL>P). Sedation levels were insignificant among groups. The incidence of adverse effects was also insignificant. Conclusion Preoperative prophylactic administration of pregabalin orally in Group PL and PH reduced the incidence and severity of fasciculations and myalgia. Group PH was found to be more effective than PL. Pressor response attenuation was found to be more effective in Group PH.