Background and Aims: We compared analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine and clonidine as adjuvant to 30 ml solution of 0.25% bupivacaine in ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Materials and Methods: Ninety patients scheduled for upper limb orthopedic surgeries were allocated to one of the three groups; control group B (n=30), clonidine group C (n=30), and the dexmedetomidine group D (n=30) in a randomized double blind fashion.  In group B 1 ml Normal Saline; in group C 1 ml Clonidine (0.75g/kg); and in Group D 1 ml Dexmedetomidine (0.75g/kg); were added to 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and administered during ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Patients were evaluated for onset and duration of sensory and motor block along with duration of analgesia, sedation, side effects, if any. Hemodynamic parameters were also monitored.

Results: The groups were comparable with respect to demographic parameters. Patients in group D had earlier onset as well as prolonged duration of sensory and motor block compared to group B and group C, which was statistically significant (p <0.001). Mean Duration of analgesia was 301.5± 48.7 minutes in group B, 456.7±75.8 minutes in group C and 585.0±99.4 minutes in group D. On comparison duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group D (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to local anaesthetic results in increased duration of sensory and motor block along with prolonged duration of analgesia as compared to clonidine.