Effects of Clonidine on Propofol-Based Anesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Propofol-based anesthesia is a safe and effective method to provide intravenous sedation in office-based elective surgery. Clonidine is a drug that can provide anxiolytic sedation and hemodynamic stability, thus reducing the propofol consumption rate. This study reports the effect of 0.1 mg of clonidine administered orally and preoperatively on the dosage rate of propofol. The authors also describe the hemodynamic effects on patients undergoing elective liposculpture surgery. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective review, 20 American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I and grade II patients undergoing elective liposculpture surgery under monitored anesthesia care were studied. Ten patients received premedication (0.1 mg clonidine) 30–45 minutes before the induction of anesthesia. A control group receiving no premedication underwent the same procedures conducted by the same surgeon. Propofol dosage rate, heart rate, and blood pressure of both groups were monitored preoperatively, intraoperatively, and in the recovery room. Results: The average propofol dosage rate was 3.21 mg/ kg/h for the treatment group and 2.78 mg/kg/h for the control group. Hemodynamic stability was obtained for both groups during and after the treatment periods. Neither group had episodes of hypotension or changes in expectable recovery time. Discussion: Clonidine premedication of 0.1 mg orally did not reduce the requirements for propofol dosage rates. In contrast to previous studies using higher doses, this clonidine dose did not provide the beneficial effects of lowering the anesthetic requirement for propofol. However, hemodynamic stability was achieved, and no adverse effects were observed.