Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Paracetamol Combination in Prevention of Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery with Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine and paracetamol combination in the prevention of postoperative pain in patients undergoing cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, and double-blind clinical trial, 100 women with singleton pregnancies, aged 18-40 years, ASA class I and undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia were studied. In patients of study group (n=50) paracetamol 1 g and dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg into 100 ml of normal saline solution and in the placebo group (n=50), paracetamol 1 g and normal saline in the same volume of solution over 15 minute was infused. The frequency and severity of postoperative pain and side effects were compared in the two study groups. Results: Frequency of pain (48% vs. 86%; p=0.001) and mean pain score (1.16±1.46 vs. 3.00±1.89; p=0.001) after surgery in PACU were significantly lower in the study group than in the placebo group. The time of the first request for analgesic was significantly longer in patients of the study group (148.60±108.44 min) than in patients in the placebo group (76.30±58.23 min) (p=0.002). The frequency of postoperative shivering in patients in the study group (4%) was significantly lower than the placebo group (24%) (p=0.004).