ABSTRACT

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of clonidine as adjuvant to local anesthetic in supraclavicular brachial plexus block on: The onset and potency and duration of sensory and motor block, to determine the incidence of sedation and side effects with the use of clonidine as compared to controls and to deal with appropriately.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, single blinded study was conducted on 50 ASA I or II adult patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in Group B (n = 25) were administered 30mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine and Group BC (n = 25) were given 30mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine with Clonidine 1μg/kg. The onset time and duration of sensory and motor blockade were recorded. Haemodynamic variables (i.e., heart rate, DBP, SBP), sedation scores and duration of analgesia were recorded postoperatively.

Results: The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly faster in Group BC compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Duration of analgesia is prolonged and mean sedation score is higher in Group BC compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Haemodynamics did not differ between groups in the post-operative period.

Conclusion: Clonidine (1μg/kg) in combination with 30mL of Bupivacaine (0.25%) hastened onset of sensory and motor block, and improved postoperative analgesia when used in brachial plexus block, without producing any adverse events.