Could a sedative drug extend pain relief after knee surgery?

NCT ID NCT03834129

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: CMC Ambroise Paré Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving the sedative drug dexmedetomidine during knee replacement surgery could lengthen the time before patients need additional painkillers. 94 adults having elective knee replacement under regional anesthesia received either the drug or a placebo. The goal was to see if it safely extends pain relief and reduces opioid use.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: dexmedetomidine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could mean longer pain relief after knee replacement, reducing the need for strong opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed Phase 3 trial. The drug may cause low blood pressure or slow heart rate, and results may not apply to all patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PRIMARY TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Clinique Médipôle Garonne

Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, 31036, France

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