Comparison of injection lignocaine (preservative free) 1.5 mg/kg i.v with oral pregabalin 150 mg for attenuation haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Endotracheal intubation is sine quo non for safe conduct of general anaesthesia. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant drug is being studied for control of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Some authors have found that pregabalin 150 mg orally attenuates the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy. The purpose of the present study was to compare injection lignocaine (preservative free) i.v. and oral pregabalin for attenuation of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. The study consisted of 60 patients of ASA class I, divided into two groups of 30 each. Group I received injection lignocaine (preservative free) 1.5 mg/kg i.v., 3 minutes prior to laryngoscopy. Group II received oral pregabalin 150 mg capsule 1 hour prior to induction. The parameters recorded were heart rate, systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean BP and rate pressure product was calculated at baseline before induction and at 1, 3 and 5 minutes following laryngoscopy. The data obtained was analysed using unpaired "t" test. Lignocaine was more effective than pregabalin in controlling the heart rate at one minute following laryngoscopy. Pregabalin was more effective than lignocaine in controlling diastolic blood pressure at 1, 3 and 5 minutes following laryngoscopy, and mean arterial pressure at land 3 minutes following laryngoscopy. There was no difference between two groups when systolic BP and rate pressure product were compared. Lignocaine (preservative free) thus, exerts better control over heart rate and pregabalin exerts better control over diastolic and mean blood pressure following laryngoscopy.