We evaluated the analgesic efficacy, hemodynamic and respiratory safety of Clonidine when added to bupivacaine for caudal block. Forty children undergoing inguinal hernia repair were randomly given caudal injection with 0.75 ml.kg(-1) of bupivacaine (0.25%) and clonidine 2 mug.kg(-1) in Group C or 0.75 ml.kg(-1) of bupivacaine (0.25%) alone in Group B after induction of anaesthesia. Postoperatively duration of analgesia, OPS score (observational pain / discomfort scale), Sedation score, heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Duration of analgesia was significantly longer (p<0.001) in Group C (10.25 hours) as compared to 4.55 hours in Group B. Bradycardia, hypotension and sedation were not observed in Group C. The addition of Clonidine in caudal blocks prolongs postoperative pain relief in children and is safe alternative to bupivacaine alone in paediatric daycare surgeries.
Keywords: Bupivacaine; Caudal epidural; Clonidine.