Could a sedative drug extend pain relief after knee surgery?
NCT ID NCT03834129
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Clinique Médipôle Garonne
Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, 31036, France