Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Ages 19 and up

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

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorSt. Paul's Hospital, Canada
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 24, 2024
Main results expectedApril 24, 2026
Study endsJune 24, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 15, 2025
Trial IDNCT06750302 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.