Background and Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate and study the efficiency of intravenous esmolol and lidocaine (preservative free) in the attenuation of cardiovascular response to laryngoscopy and intubation in normotensive individuals. Methods: 90 Patients were randomized in three groups, Group E (esmolol) 1.5mg/kg I.V, Group L (lidocaine) 1.5mg/kg I.V and Group C (active–control; midazolam) 0.02mg/kg I.V with 30 patients in each group. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before the study drug and at specified intervals. Results and observations: Both esmolol and lignocaine group showed less rise in HR and BP during laryngoscopy and intubation than control group. All haemodynamic parameters were also significantly less in Group–E and Group–L at 1,2, 3,4, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation. Conclusion: Esmolol is a better agent than Lidocaine in preventing the cardiovascular stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation.