Objective: To compare the mean heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) after 5 minutes post intubation with low dose Labetalol versus low dose Lignocaine during intubation under general anaesthesia.

Patients and Methods: A total number of 60 patients with age 18-40 years who were planned for elective surgery under general anesthesia were included in this comparative study. There were two equal groups; in group A patients 0.25mg/Kg intravenous labetalol was given 5 minutes before intubation, in group B patients, intravenous Lignocaine 1 mg/Kg was given. MAP and HR were noted at baseline and after 5 minutes of intubation.

Results: Mean age 31.03±6.34 years. Mean weight of patients was 67.45±10.60 kgs. There were 537 (61.67%) male patients and 23 (38.33%) female patients. Heart rate at 5 minutes post intubation in patients with labetalol group was 78.43±6.41 beats/min versus 88.37±6.73 beats/min in patients in lignocaine group (p-value <0.001). MAP at 5 minutes post intubation in patients with labetalol group was 94.20±6.12 mm of Hg and 103.00±4.41 mm of Hg in patients in lignocaine group (p-value of <0.001).

Conclusion: Increases in hemodynamic variables are always linked with laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. To reduce the effects of endotracheal intubation on patients having general anesthesia, labetalol is a safe and effective medication.

Keywords: tracheal intubation, Labetalol, Lignocaine, Mean arterial pressure, heart rate.