OBJECTIVETo evaluate the comparative pre-emptive effects of gabapentin and pregabalin on postoperative pain in patients scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS90 patients of ASA grade I and II posted for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomised into 3 groups (Group G, P and C of 30 patients each). One and a half hour before surgery, the drug selected for the study was given blindly with a sip of water. Group G -Received 600 mg Gabapentin capsule; Group P -Received 300 mg of pregabalin capsule; Group C -Received identical placebo capsule. Pain (Visual analogue score) and side effects assessments were performed immediately and then at 15 mins., 30 mins., 45 mins., 60 mins., 90 mins., 120 mins. and at 180 mins. postoperatively. RESULTSThe mean (±SD) of VAS score was 5.86±0.34 in group C, 5.10±0.84 in group G and 4.96±1.03 in group P. VAS score were significantly lower in both groups G and P as compared to group C. Time for analgesic requirement is more with oral pregabalin than gabapentin and control group. The mean (±SD) TRA-I was 38.40±24.61 in group C, 44.03±8.94 in group G and 58.69±25.21 in group P. Pregabalin causes more sedation than gabapentin. No significant difference was observed among the three groups regarding side effects during the study period. CONCLUSIONOur study demonstrated that pre-emptive oral pregabalin 300 mg and oral gabapentin 600 mg significantly decreases the severity of pain postoperatively in patients posted for surgery under general anaesthesia. Oral pregabalin produces higher degree of sedation as compared to oral gabapentin.

Background: To evaluate the effects of preoperative Gabapentin on postoperative relief of pain in patients scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia. Post-operative ward and OT Department of Anaesthesia, JAH, GR Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.Methods: The sixty patients subjected to ASA grade I and II posted for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomized into 2 groups. One and half hour before surgery, Gabapentin 600 mg and placebo was given blindly to selected patients for the study. The postoperative pain was assessed with visual analogue score. Pain and side effects assessment were performed.Results: Total 60 patients of ASA grade I and II posted for elective surgeries under GA were randomized into 2 groups. One and half hour before surgery, the drug selected for the study was given blindly with a sip of water. The mean (±SD) of VAS score was 5.86±0.34 in Group B and 5.10±0.84 in Group A. VAS score was significantly lower in Group A. With oral Gabapentin time required for rescue analgesia is delayed as compared to control group. The mean (±SD) TRA-1 was 38.40±24.61 in Group B and 44.03±8.94 in Group A.Conclusions: Preoperative oral Gabapentin significantly decreases the severity of pain postoperatively as compared to placebo in patients posted for surgery. Time for analgesic requirement is more with oral Gabapentin. The VAS score was lower in Gabapentin group.