ABSTRACT
Background: Laryngoscopy and intubation may cause undesirable increase in blood pressure and heart rate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Pregabalin premedication on hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation. Methods: Sixty ASA physical status I or II patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two equal groups who received either oral Pregabalin 150 mg (Group PB)or placebo (Group PL)1 hour prior to surgery. Heart rate, Systolic, Diastolic and Mean arterial blood pressures were recorded preoperative, at laryngoscopy and 0,1,3,5 and 10 minutes after tracheal intubation. Results: Demographic data and base-line values for Heart rate, Systolic, Diastolic and Mean arterial blood pressures were comparable between groups. During laryngoscopy and intubation there was significant attenuation of SBP, DBP and MBP in PB group as compared to PL group. Although increase in heart rate was less in pregabalin group during laryngoscopy and intubation but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In the present study design, oral Pregabalin premedication at a dose of 150 mg one hour prior to surgery attenuates pressor response associated with laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation but not the tachycardia significantly.