European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

BACKGROUNDPostoperative sore throat is one of the most common complications after endotracheal intubation. Both Ketamine and magnesium can block N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors and provide central and local analgesia. The study was conducted to compare the effect of magnesium sulfate and ketamine gargle on the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 120 patients’ candidate for surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients in ketamine group (K, n=40) received ketamine gargle (30mg in 30 mL of 25% dextrose in saline), Magnesium group (M, n=40) received magnesium sulfate gargle (1.5mg in 30 mL of 25% dextrose in saline) and Dextrose group (D, n=40) received dextrose gargle (30 mL of 25% dextrose) 15 minutes before the operation. Patient complaint of postoperative sore throat, and its severity measured post operatively were recorded at baseline in recovery room, and then 2, 4, and 24 hours after operation using on a 4-point scale (0-3). RESULTS There were no significant differences between age, sex, body mass index (BMI), the Modified Mallampati class distribution and ASA grade between three groups of patients. Hemodynamics of patients, including blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse rate were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Number of patients with sore throat were significantly lower in magnesium group and ketamine group compared to Dextrose group. Dextrose group had significantly higher incidence of sore throat at 2 hr (P = 0.023) and at 4 hr (P = 0,031) compared to Magnesium group after the operation. No patient had severe sore throat in group M and group K. CONCLUSIONS Magnesium at even a low dose decreases incidence of sore throat and pain severity more effectively when compared to ketamine gargles