Dexmedetomidine versus dexamethasone added to ropivacaine for supraclavicular nerve block in upper‑limb surgery

Comparative Analysis Of Dexmedetomidine And Dexamethasone As An Adjuvant To 0.5%Ropivacaine On Onset Of Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block In Patients Undergoing Upper Limb Surgeries

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Sahiwal medical college sahiwal · NCT07290595

This test compares two medicines added to ropivacaine to see which gives faster onset and longer pain relief for adults having upper‑limb surgery with an ultrasound‑guided supraclavicular nerve block.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorSahiwal medical college sahiwal Government
Locations1 site (Sāhīwāl, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT07290595 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for upper‑limb surgery below the mid‑humerus are randomized to receive 28 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine with either 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine or 8 mg dexamethasone using an ultrasound‑guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Drugs are prepared and coded by one anesthetist so the clinician performing and observing the block is blinded to the assignment. The trial records onset time of sensory and motor block, duration of postoperative analgesia, and hemodynamic effects including bradycardia and hypotension. Standard monitoring and exclusion criteria (pre‑existing neuropathy, infection at the site, ischemic heart disease, coagulopathy, pregnancy, or allergy) are applied to maintain safety.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–70 years old, ASA class I–III, non‑pregnant, scheduled for upper‑limb surgery below the mid‑humerus and willing to receive an ultrasound‑guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Not a fit: People with ischemic heart disease, bleeding disorders, infection at the block site, pre‑existing upper‑limb neuropathy, allergy to the study drugs, pregnant patients, or those unable to travel to the study site are unlikely to be eligible or benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one adjuvant proves superior, patients could get faster‑acting, longer‑lasting regional anesthesia with less need for opioids and improved postoperative comfort.

How similar studies have performed: Numerous prior trials have shown that both perineural dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone can prolong peripheral nerve block duration, but head‑to‑head comparisons have produced mixed results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Patients scheduled for upper limb surgery below mid-humerus level
* Patients aged 18 to 70 years
* Patients with ASA class I, II and III
* Male and non-pregnant females Exclusion Criteria
* Patients refusal
* Patients with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy of the upper limb
* Patients with the Infection at block site
* Patients with history of ischemic heart disease
* Patients with bleeding disorder or deranged coagulation profile
* Patients with known history of allergy to local anaesthetic or any other drugs used

Where this trial is running

Sāhīwāl, Punjab Province

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 Post Operative AnalgesiaBradycardiaHypotensionUpper Limb Surgeries
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.