Introduction: This study compares the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and clonidine as adjuvants to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries. Dexmedetomidine’s higher selectivity for α2-adrenergic receptors potentially enhances its analgesic effects compared to clonidine. Methods: A prospective study conducted at Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, evaluated ASA grade I and II patients, aged 18-50, undergoing upper limb surgeries. groups C and D received clonidine and dexmedetomidine, respectively, with levobupivacaine in supraclavicular blocks. Sensory and motor block characteristics were assessed post-operatively for 24 hours. Results: Group D exhibited faster onset of sensory and motor blocks (4.86 ± 0.91 mins and 7.08 ± 1.006 mins) compared to group C (7.2 ± 1.1 mins and 9.94 ± 1.67 mins). Motor block duration was longer in group D (12.7 ± 0.7 hrs) than group C (10.8 ± 0.6 hrs). Rescue analgesic requirement and sedation scores significantly varied between groups. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in brachial plexus block demonstrated faster onset of sensory and motor blocks, prolonged motor block duration, and reduced rescue analgesic requirement compared to clonidine. These findings suggest dexmedetomidine’s potential superiority in enhancing regional anesthesia outcomes for upper limb surgeries.

Introduction: This study compares the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and clonidine as adjuvants to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries. Dexmedetomidine’s higher selectivity for α2-adrenergic receptors potentially enhances its analgesic effects compared to clonidine. Methods: A prospective study conducted at Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, evaluated ASA grade I and II patients, aged 18-50, undergoing upper limb surgeries. groups C and D received clonidine and dexmedetomidine, respectively, with levobupivacaine in supraclavicular blocks. Sensory and motor block characteristics were assessed post-operatively for 24 hours. Results: Group D exhibited faster onset of sensory and motor blocks (4.86 ± 0.91 mins and 7.08 ± 1.006 mins) compared to group C (7.2 ± 1.1 mins and 9.94 ± 1.67 mins). Motor block duration was longer in group D (12.7 ± 0.7 hrs) than group C (10.8 ± 0.6 hrs). Rescue analgesic requirement and sedation scores significantly varied between groups. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in brachial plexus block demonstrated faster onset of sensory and motor blocks, prolonged motor block duration, and reduced rescue analgesic requirement compared to clonidine. These findings suggest dexmedetomidine’s potential superiority in enhancing regional anesthesia outcomes for upper limb surgeries.