| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2017 | Volume
: 11
| Issue : 2 | Page : 158-162 |
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Role of flupirtine in reducing preoperative anxiety of patients undergoing craniotomy procedure
Ghanshyam Yadav, Gaurav Jain, Malkhan Singh
Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Correspondence Address:
Gaurav Jain
Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221 005, Uttar Pradesh
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1658-354X.203028
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Background: Kv7 neuronal channels are recognized as a potential drug target for anxiolytic effects. We hypothesize that flupirtine as a potassium channel opener would effectively reduce the preoperative anxiety of patients undergoing craniotomy procedure.
Methods: In prospective-double-blinded fashion, 124 counseled patients were randomized to receive 5 sequential doses of capsule flupirtine 100 mg (F Group) or physically similar starch capsules (C Group), at 12 h intervals during preoperative hospitalization. Primary outcome included various aspects of patient anxiety measured by visual analog scale (VAS) just before preoperative counseling and 2 h after the completion of drug regimen under trial. Statistical tool included Mann–Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.
Results: Baseline VAS scores were higher for fear of surgical harm, being at the mercy of medical staff, and not awakening after surgery. A significant decline in VAS scores was observed after the completion of drug regime, but to a higher extent in flupirtine-treated patients; it achieved statistical significance in comparison to Group C. No side effects were observed in any patient.
Conclusion: Flupirtine is a useful premedication in conjunction with behavioral therapy to alleviate patient anxiety during the preoperative period.
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