Comparative efficacy of 600 mg oral gabapentin and 300 mcg oral clonidine in attenuation of pre-operative anxiolysis and hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation and laryngoscopy

Background: Endotracheal intubation and laryngoscopy are harmful stimulus, which can trigger unwanted cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, dysrhythmia, and tachycardia. Various drugs have been used to attenuate the cardiovascular response. Drugs such as clonidine and Gabapentin are in extensive usage to stabilize the hemodynamic responses. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of 600 mg oral Gabapentin and 300 mcg oral clonidine in attenuating pre-operative anxiolysis and hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation and laryngoscopy. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized study consists of 100 cases between the age group 21 and 65 years posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia. The study cases were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 50) administered with 600 mg oral Gabapentin and Group 2 (n = 50) administered with 300 mcg oral clonidine. The baseline and pre-operative hemodynamic parameters and levels of sedation score and anxiety scores were recorded. Results: The total duration of intubation was 26.53 min in Group 1 and 26.86 min in Group 2. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean heart rate, mean arterial pressure, sedation score, and anxiety score were comparable between the two study groups and the mean difference between the two study groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both study drugs had similar significant anxiolysis and sedation scores. However, 300 ?g oral clonidine has better hemodynamic stability to laryngoscopy and intubation than 600 mg oral gabapentin.