Comparing Penthrox to placebo for pain relief in sinus procedures
Official title: The Effectiveness of Inhaled Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) vs Placebo for Pain Relief in Coblation and Sinus Procedures: a Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo - Controlled Trial
Run by St. Paul's Hospital, Canada · NCT06750302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if inhaling Penthrox can help people feel less pain during minor sinus procedures compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | St. Paul's Hospital, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 24, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 24, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 24, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06750302 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 19 years or older scheduled for minor sinus surgery or coblation procedures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, severe kidney or liver disease, or those with a history of respiratory depression may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox) as an analgesic for patients undergoing minor sinus and rhinology procedures, such as Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) and coblation. Participants will inhale either Penthrox or a placebo during their procedure and will be assessed for pain relief using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), as well as for anxiety and complications. The study aims to determine if Penthrox provides superior pain relief compared to placebo, potentially improving patient comfort during these procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive and effective pain management option for patients undergoing minor sinus procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for methoxyflurane in acute pain management, but its use in minor surgical procedures is less explored, making this approach somewhat novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 19 years or older * Scheduled for minor sinus surgery or coblation procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Cystic fibrosis * Systemic vasculitis or other bleeding disorders * History of renal failure or severe kidney disease * History of liver failure or severe liver disease * Altered state of consciousness (head injury, alcohol use, drug use) * Known or suspected hypersensitivity to lidocaine or sensorcaine * Inhaled drug use (i.e., cocaine) in the preceding 6 months * Nasal tumors * Personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia * Respiratory depression
Where it's running
-
St Paul's Sinus Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amin Javer, MD
- Email: sinusdoc@me.com
- Phone: 604-806-9926
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Triamcinolone-loaded nanocapsules after endoscopic nasal surgery
This trial tests whether a triamcinolone acetonide–loaded nanocapsule spray is better than saline irrigation for healing after endoscopic nasal surgery in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.
-
Smell training in CRS patients with smell loss
This study tests whether a 3-month smell training program can improve smell function and related immune and mental health measures in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis and smell loss.
-
PROPEL corticosteroid‑releasing sinus implants — IBUKI cohort
This project tests how safe and well PROPEL corticosteroid‑releasing sinus implants work for people in Japan with chronic rhinosinusitis who undergo endoscopic sinus surgery.
-
Lavender aromatherapy for anxiety and pain during awake ear, nose, and throat procedures
This tests whether lavender aromatherapy used during awake ear, nose, and throat clinic procedures can reduce anxiety and pain in adults.
-
Seawater nasal sprays for relief of nasal and sinus symptoms
This project will test four seawater nasal sprays to see if they help infants, children, adults, and pregnant or breastfeeding people with acute or chronic nasal and sinus symptoms.
-
VVN432 nasal spray safety and early testing in healthy adults and people with chronic rhinosinusitis
This will test whether VVN432 nasal spray is safe and how the body processes it in healthy adults and in people with chronic rhinosinusitis.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.