Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on haemodymic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation and its effect on the requirement of induction agent.

Methods: This prospective randomised study was undertaken in 120 patients of ASA I and II, age in the range of 18-60 years, divided in Group D (dexmedetomidine 1mcg/ kg) & Group F (fentanyl 1mcg/kg) undergoing elective surgeries requiring endotracheal intubation. All patients were premedicated with ranitidine, glycopyrrolate, midazolam, fentanyl/dexmedetomidine, induced with propofol and intubated under the effect of succinylcholine (1.5mg/kg). Haemodynamic parameters and any side-effect or complication recorded during laryngoscopy, at tracheal intubation, till 30min post- intubation and post-operatively.

Results: Baseline BP and HR in both groups were comparable. A fall in BP and HR were noted after 15 min of administration of test drugs. Increase in mean SBP, DBP and HR at 30 and 60sec post intubation were significantly lower in group D to that of Group F (P value < 0.05) with less propofol consumption in Group D. Discussion: Laryngoscopy and Tracheal intubation are associated with haemodynamic instability. Fentanyl and Dexmedetomidine decrease sympathetic response like increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Both the study drugs attenuated haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. However, SBP, DBP, HR at 60 seconds post intubation and hence showed lower values than baseline in group D as compared to group F. Conclusion: Laryngoscopy and intubation produced less blood pressure increases and significantly lower HR in the dexmedetomidine treated patients than those treated with fentanyl.