0.15 MG CLONIDINE FOR ORAL PREMEDICATION OF SURGERY UNDER RETROBULBARANESTHESIA

Background In the present clinical study, oral premedication of 0.15 m g clonidine has been explored with view to anxiolytic effects and phys iological stress parameters. Methods The study involved 44 patients of ASA-class I-III, all scheduled to undergo ophthalmological surgery un der retrobulbar anesthesia (RBA). One hour before RBA 22 patients rece ived 0.15 mg clonidine and 22 patients placebo p.o. The following para meters were assessed at different times perioperatively: oxygenation ( SpO(2)), heart rate, blood pressure, intraocular pressure and anxiety. Anxiolysis was determined using the Erlanger Anxiety Scale. Results T here were no significant differences among the groups in SpO(2) and he art rate. Significantly decreased blood pressures were measured after clonidine premedication (p < 0.01). In contrast to clonidine after pla cebo the preoperative anxiety increased. Right before operation anxiet y was decreased significantly (p < 0.01) by clonidine compared to plac ebo. Conclusions In our-opinion, oral clonidine (0.15 mg) is useful fo r premedication of surgery under RBA.