Background and objectives: Laryngoscopy and intubation can cause hemodynamic response. Various medications may be employed to control that response. In this study, we aim to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine, esmolol and esmolol with dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic response.

Methods: Hundred and twenty elective surgery patients in need of endotracheal intubation, who were American Society of Anesthesiology I - II group and ages between 21 and 65 years were included in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial & pulmonary pressures, heart rates, at the time of admittance to the operation room were recorded as basal measurements. The patients were randomized into four groups: Group I (n = 30) received 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine, Group II (n = 30) received 2 mg/kg esmolol, Group III (n = 30) received 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine plus 1 mg/kg esmolol and Group IV (n = 30) received 1µg/kg dexmedetomidine plus 2mg/kg esmolol with infusion over a period of 10 min before induction. The patients were intubated 2 min after induction. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial & pulmonary pressures and heart rates were measured at base line, 10 minutes after drug, 2 min after induction before intubation and 1, 3, 5, min after intubation.