Effect of oral pregabalin as premedication for attenuating pressor response of laryngoscopy and intubation

Abstract Background: Search for an ideal drug that can attenuate pressor response to intubation is the emerging need. There is a need for the identification of not only an appropriate premedication but also for smooth induction and rapid intubation that would prevent any associated risks and complications of hemodynamic pressor responses to weaken it pharmacologically. Objective: To study the efficacy of predication using oral pregabalin in attenuating the hemodynamic parameters during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Methods: Prospective, comparative, and interventional study was carried out among 76 patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. They were divided as Group A patients received oral pregabalin 150 mg ( n = 38) and Group B patients received placebo as control group ( n = 38). Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before surgery and at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 min. Results: Both groups were comparable for age, gender, weight, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grades. Heart rate was significantly more in Group B compared to Group A at 1, 3, and 5 min. Systolic blood pressure was significantly more in Group B compared to Group A at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly more in Group B compared to Group A at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min. Mean arterial pressure was significantly more in Group B compared to Group A at 3, 5, and 15-min. Ramsay sedation score was significantly more in Group A compared to Group B. Conclusion: Oral administration of Pregabalin 150 mg before surgery was associated with relatively lesser rise in the hemodynamic variable. Therefore, premedication of oral premedication of pregabalin could significantly protect patients by attenuating stress response during laryngoscopy and intubation.