Background: The prolongation of local anesthetic induced sensory and motor block after co-administration with intrathecal clonidine [1,2] is well documented, but with oral clonidine the effect remains controversial [1.3].

Aim: To assess the effects of oral clonidine premedication in bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia (SA).

Materials and Methods: 40 patients of ASA I & II undergoing spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Group C: Oral clonidine 150µg premedication 90mins before SA with15 mg of 0.5% Bupivacaine heavy. Group P: SA with15 mg 0.5% bupivacaine heavy. 

Result: The time of onset of sensory blockade in group C was 2.95±0.68 min and in group P 6.75±0.71 min [p<0.0001], duration was 370.55±39.10 min in Group C and 253.50±43.95 min in Group P [p<0.0001]. The duration of motor block was 296.45±33.15 min in Group C and 196.3±32.7 min in Group P [p<0.0001]. No significant difference was found on demographic data, hemodynamic parameters and frequency of complications.

Conclusion: Pre medication with 150 µg oral clonidine in bupivacaine spinal block, can be instituted to prolong the duration of both sensory and motor blockade n routine practice without the fear of added complications.