ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gabapentin reduces anxiety in psychiatric patients. In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, we investigated whether a single dose of gabapentin as a premedicant reduces preoperative anxiety, and improves patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval and written consent, 210 patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups of oral premedication: placebo, hydroxyzine 75 mg, or gabapentin 1200 mg. Anxiety level was assessed 3 times, using a 100-mm visual analogue scale: before premedication, in the preoperative holding area, and just before induction of general anaesthesia. In the postoperative period, patients were asked about their satisfaction with their premedicant. Data were presented as mean +/- SD. VAS scores were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by a Bonferroni test as appropriate. The chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data. All p values less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Baseline anxiety was not statistically different among the 3 groups. Anxiety level in the gabapentin group was significantly lower in the holding area, and before induction of anaesthesia (20 mm +/- 21), than in the hydroxyzine group (33 mm +/- 26 ; p = 0.023) and in the placebo group (36 mm +/- 28; p = 0.004). Anxiety decreased significantly overtime only in the gabapentin group. The gabapentin and hydroxyzine groups had a higher proportion of "satisfied or extremely satisfied" patients (73% and 70% respectively) as compared to the placebo group (48%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A single dose of gabapentin has proven to be an effective premedication to reduce preoperative anxiety.
Subject(s)
Amines/therapeutic use , Anti-Anxiety Agents/therapeutic use , Anxiety/drug therapy , Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids/therapeutic use , Patient Satisfaction , Preanesthetic Medication , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/therapeutic use , Adult , Double-Blind Method , Female , Gabapentin , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The combination of non-opioid analgesic drugs (P: paracetamol, K: ketoprofen and N: nefopam) is currently recommended for postoperative pain control. In practice, these analgesics are often administered in the same solution. We investigated the chemical stability and sterility of three mixtures of analgesics (P+K, P+N and K+N). METHODS: For each mixture, concentrations of active principles were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography over 24 hours. These mixtures were cultured for microbiological colonization. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated chemical and bacteriologic stability of these three mixtures over a 24-hour period. The results allow the use of P+K, P+N and K+N in the same ready to use solution.
