Use of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia: A Narrative Review
Use of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i2.2025.1713Keywords:
Anesthesia, Spinal. Dexmedetomidine. Bupivacaine. Adjuvants, Anesthesia.Abstract
Spinal anesthesia is widely used in short- and medium-duration surgeries, with bupivacaine as one of its main agents. However, its use alone presents limitations regarding latency, block duration, and postoperative analgesia. In this context, dexmedetomidine appears as a promising adjuvant, although there is still controversy regarding its ideal dose, safety, and adverse effects. Therefore, this study aims to review the literature on the use of intrathecal dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia, highlighting its clinical effects, safety, synergistic benefits, and applicability in different anesthetic settings. At the end of the study, it was concluded that intrathecal dexmedetomidine, in combination with bupivacaine, is an effective strategy for enhancing the effects of spinal anesthesia, providing faster block onset, longer sensorimotor duration, and prolonged postoperative analgesia, with an adequate safety profile and a low complication rate. When compared to other adjuvants, dexmedetomidine showed superiority in different surgical contexts, reinforcing its clinical relevance as an adjuvant in anesthetic protocols.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jean Welber Afonso Pessoa Filho, Karolynne Myrelly Oliveira Bezerra de Figueiredo Saboia, Fabrício Tavares Mendonça (Autor)
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