Introduction: Clonidine potentiates sensory and motor blockade of epidural and peripheral nerve block. Our aim in this study was to evaluate effect of intrathecal and intravenous clonidine, on spinal anaesthesia.
Materials and Methods: Patients who met the selection criteria were randomly divided into three groups. Group I: Spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 3ml, Group II: Spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 3ml + inrathecal clonidine 75 μg, Group III: Spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 3ml + intravenous clonidine 3 μg/kg.
Statistical Analysis: Computer software SPSS version 20 was used for the statistical analysis of the data. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered as statistically significant.
Observation and Results: The mean time of onset of sensory block in Group I, II and III was 5.32, 4.32 and 4.25 minutes (p < 0.001). Time of onset of motor block was 10.10, 7.12 and 6.84 minutes in Group I, II and III (p < 0.001). The duration of sensory block was 169.75, 291.20 and 293.75 minutes in Group I, II and III (p < 0.001). The duration of motor block was 149.25, 208.80 and 215.63 minutes in Group I, II and III (p < 0.001). The time for demand of analgesia was 137.50, 364.80 and 371.31 minutes in Group I, II and III (p < 0.001). Hypotension was the most common side effect in the three groups.
Conclusion: Clonidine is a good alternative choice as adjuvant to spinal anaesthesia in addition to opioids.