Intrathecal bupivacaine (0.5%) with clonidine (1µg/kg) versus intrathecal bupivacaine (0.5%) with fentanyl (25 µg): Effects on Hemodynamic changes

Abstract

Bupivacaine controls pain at the axonal level by interfering with the nerve membrane. It physically blocks the sodium channel by reversibly binding to receptors on the intracellular side of the membrane. While the sodium channel is inactive, an action potential cannot form and nerve impulse conduction cannot be sent across the nerve membrane and to the brain. The result of this is a loss of feeling or numbness when the drug is given. This clinical study was conducted on 60 adult patients of ASA physical status 1 & 2 in the age group of 18 years to 60 years, of either sex, posted for elective lower limb, lower abdominal, gynaecological and urological surgeries under spinal anesthesia. The changes in diastolic blood pressure at 30 min and 60 min were statistically significant p<0.05 (here it is p=0.016 and p=0.001). There were not much differences in the diastolic blood pressure observed upto 180 minutes after the administration of the drugs except at 30 and 60 min. Majority of patients in clonidine group had significant sedation, p<0.05(here it is p=0.01) compared to fentanyl group.