Effect of Different Doses of Ketamine on Fentanyl-Induced Cough

Abstract

Background: Reflex cough is a common complication after fentanyl injection during anesthesia. Several studies have tried different medications to control fentanyl-induced cough (FIC). Aim: Our study evaluated the effect of different ketamine dosage on preventing fentanyl induced cough. Methods: We randomly assigned 80 participants into four groups. Group 1 was administered 0.15 mg/kg, Group 2 received 0.2 mg/kg, Group 3 was given 0.25 mg/kg of intravenous ketamine one minute prior to fentanyl injections, while Group 4 received an equivalent volume of 0.9 normal saline. Results: The incidence and severity of cough was evaluated by FIC score. The incident of cough was significantly lower in Groups 3, 2 and 1 in comparison to Group 4 (0, 5, 30 respectively vs 85, p<0.001). The cough severity was significantly lower in Groups 3, 2 and 1 in comparison to Group 4 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Intravenous ketamine 0.25 mg/kg, significantly decreased the severity and frequency of cough compared with 0.20 and 0.15 mg/kg IV ketamine. © 2024 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.