To evaluate efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine in the dose of 0.6 micrograms per kg in blunting cardiovascular stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.

60, ASA grade 1 and 2 adult patients of age group 18 – 45 years were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 ( n = 30 ) received 0.6 micrograms per kg dexmedetomidine , intravenously over 10 minutes and 3 minutes before induction of general anesthesia. Group 2 ( n = 30 ) received 0.9 % normal saline. All patients were uniformly premedicated induced and intubated using thiopentone sodium and succinylcholine. Heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured before induction of anesthesia before laryngoscopy and 1,3,5,10 minutes after intubation.

Higher rates of heart rate, systolic , diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure were observed in placebo group as compared to dexmedetomidine group.

Dexmedetomidine when used as intravenous premedicant in the dose of 0.6 micrograms per kg is efficacious in attenuating stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.