Using intravenous acetaminophen to prevent delirium after heart surgery

Intravenous Acetaminophen After Cardiac Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT06613178

This study is testing if giving acetaminophen through an IV can help prevent delirium in adults after heart surgery compared to taking it by mouth.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06613178 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of intravenous acetaminophen compared to oral acetaminophen in preventing delirium in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Patients aged 18 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either IV acetaminophen with an oral placebo or oral acetaminophen with an IV placebo for 48 hours post-surgery. The primary outcome is the incidence of delirium assessed in the ICU and on the regular floor, while secondary outcomes include opioid use, length of ICU and hospital stay, and cognitive function at 6 months and 1 year. The trial will be conducted at eight major cardiac surgery centers across Canada.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective cardiac surgery, specifically aorto-coronary bypass with or without valve replacement.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychiatric treatment, cognitive impairment, or sensitivity to acetaminophen may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and reduced incidence of delirium in patients after cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches in pain management and delirium prevention, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

greater or equal to 18

* elective cardiac surgery
* stable pre-operative
* aorto-coronary bypass with or without 1 valve replacement.

Exclusion Criteria:

Refusal by surgeon Requested late extubation by surgeon or anesthesia Intra-aortic balloon pump Mechanical cardiac support Sensitivity to acetaminophen Psychiatric history with current active treatment Alzheimer\'s disease Seizure in previous 6 months Recent history of alcohol misuse Cognitive impairment

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Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia and 7 other locations

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 DeliriumPost Operative PainPost-Op ComplicationPost-cardiac Surgerypainpost-operative carecardiac surgerynarcotic
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.