Effect of low dose intrathecal clonidine as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective infra umbilical surgeries

Abstract

Background: Clonidine, an imidazole derivative with α-2 adrenergic agonist action, when used intrathecally gives good analgesia and is claimed to have minimal side effects as compared to opioids1. We evaluated the effects of low dose intrathecal clonidine as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective infra umbilical surgeries.
Methodology: In a prospective, double blind, randomized controlled study, 60 patients undergoing elective infra umbilical surgeries were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each. Group 1 received 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.5 µg/kg clonidine and Group 2 received 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with normal saline (same volume). The onset of sensory block, duration of motor blockade, VAS score and time for first rescue analgesia were noted. Patients were monitored for any side effects.