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Clinical trial Recruiting at 4 sites Phase 4 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using intravenous acetaminophen to prevent delirium after heart surgery

Official title: Intravenous Acetaminophen After Cardiac Surgery

Run by McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT06613178 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 7 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 2, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2027
Study endsDecember 15, 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 25, 2024
Trial IDNCT06613178 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of psychiatric treatment, cognitive impairment, or sensitivity to acetaminophen 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 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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • University of Manitoba
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada     Recruiting
  • McGill Universtiy Health Centre
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada     Recruiting
  • Universite Montreal
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada     Recruiting
  • University of Laval
    Québec, Quebec, Canada     Recruiting
  • University of British Columbia
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada     Active not recruiting
  • Trillium Health Centre
    Mississagua, Ontario, Canada     Not yet recruiting
Show 2 more locations
  • University of Ottawa
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada     Not yet recruiting
  • Sunnybroook Health Centre
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     Not yet 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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ Find more trials like this →
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Post Operative Delirium 5Post Operative Pain 71Post-Op Complication 7Post-cardiac Surgery 3McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre 67
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.