THE ADDITION OF CLONIDINE TO PRILOCAINE FOR INTRAVENOUS REGIONAL ANESTHESIA

The effect of the addition of clonidine 2 mu g kg(-1) to prilocaine 0. 5% for intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA) in the arm was investig ated in 56 healthy patients using a randomized, double-blind study. Th e characteristics of the sensory and motor block, quality of analgesia , development of post-operative pain sensations and haemodynamic varia bles were studied in three groups (IVRA with prilocaine, IVRA with pri locaine and clonidine, IVRA with prilocaine and systemic application o f clonidine at tourniquet release). There were no significant differen ces between the groups concerning the onset and recovery characteristi cs of sensory and motor blockade, post-operative pain or side effects. In those patients receiving clonidine, mean arterial pressure decreas ed significantly (24-28%, respectively) after tourniquet release, whil e heart rate remained unchanged. Clonidine as an adjunct to prilocaine seems to be of limited benefit during and after intravenous regional anaesthesia.