Reduced narcotic requirement by clonidine with improved hemodynamic and adrenergic stability in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery.

The authors examined the effect of clonidine, a preferential alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, upon narcotic requirements, hemodynamics, and adrenergic responses during the perioperative period in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Anesthesia was provided by sufentanil supplemented with isoflurane; sodium nitroprusside was given as needed for hemodynamic control. Ten patients received oral clonidine preoperatively at the time of premedication, and again intraoperatively by nasogastric tube.