Role of melatonin in attenuation of hemodynamic response to intubation and anesthetic requirements: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study

Melatonin has been studied to have anxiolytic, sedative, and analgesic effects. However, there is limited data on the effect of melatonin in the attenuation of hemodynamic response to intubation. We aimed to study whether preanesthetic oral melatonin attenuates hemodynamic responses to intubation and anesthetic requirements.

Sixty-four patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into melatonin or placebo group (n...=...32 each). Melatonin group received two tablets (3...mg each) of melatonin, and the placebo group received two tablets of vitamin D3 120...min before induction. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded during induction and postintubation for 15...minutes. Total induction dose of propofol, total intraoperative fentanyl consumption, and adverse effects of melatonin were also noted.

Postintubation rise in heart rate (HR) was less in the melatonin group compared to the placebo group (10.59% vs. 37.08% at 1...min, respectively) (p...<...0.0001). Maximum percentage increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) was lesser in melatonin group than placebo group (SBP 9.25% vs. 37.73%, DBP 10.58% vs. 35.51%, MBP 9.99% vs. 36.45% at 1 min postintubation. respectively) (p...<...0.0001). Induction dose of propofol (1.42 mg.kg^-1 vs. 2.01...mg.kg^-1) and the number of patients requiring additional fentanyl intraoperatively (3 vs. 11) were also significantly reduced in the melatonin group.

Premedication with 6...mg of oral melatonin resulted in significant attenuation of postintubation rise in HR, SBP, DBP, and MBP. It also reduced the induction dose of propofol, total intraoperative fentanyl consumption without any adverse effects.