Dexmedetomidine and clonidine as adjuvants to intrathecal 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine in lower limb orthopedic surgery.

Abstract

Introduction: Adjuvants are added to local anesthetics used intrathecally to potentiate and 
prolong the duration of anesthesia. α-2 agonist clonidine has an established use as additive to local 
anesthetics in subarachnoid block. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 agonist has a wide 
application during sedation, general anesthesia and intravenous analgesia, but very limited use in 
intrathecal anesthesia.