Comparing dexmedetomidine and epinephrine for spinal anesthesia in cesarean sections

Comparison of Intrathecal Epinephrine Versus Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants in Cesarean Section

Phase 4 Interventional Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT06418308

This study is testing whether adding dexmedetomidine to spinal anesthesia can help pregnant women having a cesarean section manage pain just as well as using epinephrine.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06418308 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of adjunctive intrathecal dexmedetomidine versus epinephrine in enhancing single-dose spinal analgesia for cesarean sections. It focuses on pregnant patients aged 18-55 who are scheduled for either primary or secondary cesarean deliveries and are candidates for spinal anesthesia. The study will assess whether dexmedetomidine is non-inferior to epinephrine in terms of sensory block duration and postoperative pain management. By evaluating these two adjuncts, the research seeks to optimize anesthesia practices for cesarean sections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant patients aged 18-55 years scheduled for a cesarean section and eligible for single-shot spinal anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with contraindications to spinal anesthesia, such as coagulopathy or elevated intracranial pressure, and those undergoing emergency cesarean sections.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and anesthesia outcomes for patients undergoing cesarean sections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar adjuncts in spinal anesthesia, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant patients
* aged 18-55 years
* presenting for scheduled primary or secondary cesarean section
* candidates for single shot spinal anesthesia singleton pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient refusal of spinal anesthetic
* if patient is not a candidate for spinal anesthesia due to history of coagulopathy, elevated intracranial pressure, infection at site of injection, etc.
* emergency cesarean section
* preexisting motor or sensory deficit
* suspected pre-eclampsia
* patient receiving combined spinal-epidural as anesthetic technique
* BMI \> 40

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cesarean SectionAnesthesia, SpinalSpinal AnesthesiaIntrathecal adjunctsDexmedetomidineEpinephrine
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.