Effect of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant for Labour Analgesia

Opioids analgesics have been used commonly among several patients in labour in various studies but side effects associated with use of opioids during painless delivery are the main factors that affect rapid postpartum recovery. Opioid use can result in risk of respiratory depression in the patient and can also disrupt the baby's breathing and heart rate. So, the non opioid analgesic dexmedetomidine, a new alpha-2-adrenergic agonist came into existence, was evaluated and used intrathecally among parturients as an alternative adjuvant. The aim of the present review article was to establish the effect of non opioid analgesic dexmedetomidine, to assess the potency and the safety of dexmedetomidine when given intrathecally as an adjuvant to neuraxial block among patients in labour. Studies report that addition of dexmedetomidine improves the quality of the block, causes an early onset and better length of the sensory block, enhances the onset and duration of the motor block, as well as the onset of analgesia. Additionally, this lengthens the time needed to restore analgesia. Use of dexmedetomidine in combination with bupivacaine significantly prolonges the sensory block time in pregnant women.