Could a common painkiller keep seniors Clear-Headed after surgery?

NCT ID NCT07235995

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study will test whether giving paracetamol (a common painkiller) instead of a strong opioid (sufentanil) can reduce confusion and delirium in elderly patients after non-cardiac surgery. About 1,092 patients aged 60 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either paracetamol or sufentanil for pain control in the ICU. The main goal is to see if paracetamol leads to fewer cases of postoperative delirium.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: paracetamol (acetaminophen) and mannitol injection
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safer painkiller option for older patients after surgery, reducing their risk of confusion and other side effects.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 4 trial, so the drugs are already approved, but it is still possible that paracetamol does not reduce delirium better than the standard opioid. The study has not started yet, so results are pending.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emergence Delirium

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ELDERLY NON-CARDIAC SURGERY POSTOPERATIVE DELIRIUM

Contacts and locations

Locations

Xiangya hospital

Changsha, Hunan, 410000, China

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