Comparison of clonidine and epinephrine in lidocaine for cervical plexus block

Abstract

Background and Objectives. Carotid endarterectomy under cervical plexus block offers the advantage of awake neurologic assessment. The hypothesis was tested that the addition of clonidine 5 μg/mL to lidocaine 1.5% for the block is as effective clinically as the addition of epinephrine 5 μg/mL but without the associated tachycardia. Methods. In a double-blind, randomized, prospective trial of 40 patients, local anesthetic solutions of lidocaine 1.5% containing either clonidine 5 μg/mL or epinephrine 5 μg/mL were compared for cervical plexus block in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Each solution was administered to 20 patients with a total lidocaine dose of 7 mg/kg. The electrocard..