Efficacy of intravenous paracetamol on pressor response in patients undergoing cesarean section under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Profound hemodynamic alterations due to stress and pain during endotracheal intubation may cause deleterious effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous (IV) paracetamol on hemodynamic changes due to endotracheal intubation during cesarean section under general anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Random allocation of one hundred and ten patients in two groups (Group A - placebo and Group B - paracetamol), was achieved as per computer generated table. The placebo (normal saline) and paracetamol solutions looked identical as both were available in 100 ml piggy bags and were labeled as study drug. Infusion of the drug was given 1 h before surgery. Two baseline readings of heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP and mean BP were recorded before induction, and these readings were repeated during intubation. Detrimental effect on neonate was evaluated by Apgar score measured at 1 and 5 min after birth. RESULTS: There were no significant demographic differences found between the two groups. Hemodyamic changes during intubation also did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of IV paracetamol 1 h before cesarean section has no significant effect in preventing hemodynamic changes at the time of endotracheal intubation.