ABSTRACT : Alpha-2 agonist are mixed with bupivacaine to extend the duration of axillary nerve block. I compared clonidine and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in axillary block with respect to onset and duration of sensory block.

METHODS : 40 ASA-I grade patients posted for elective upper limb surgery under axillary block were divided into 2 groups in a randomised fashion. One group received clonidine and other group received dexmedetomidine with bupivacaine 0.25% with 40ml.

RESULTS : There is no statistically significant difference in onset of sensory and motor block with the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS :Dexmedetomidine when added to bupivacaine enhanced the duration of sensory and motor blockade and also the duration of analgesia.