Nose spray showdown: which sedative works best for anxious children?

NCT ID NCT07180095

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests two different nose sprays—dexmedetomidine and ketamine—to see which one better calms children aged 2 to 6 before surgery. Sixty kids will receive one of the two sprays, and researchers will measure how sleepy they get and how easily they separate from their parents. The goal is to find a safer, more effective way to reduce preoperative anxiety in young patients.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: intranasal dexmedetomidine and intranasal ketamine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a better way to calm children before surgery, reducing anxiety and making separation from parents easier.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 children, so results may not apply to all kids. Both drugs can cause side effects like low blood pressure or slow heart rate.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT PREOPERATIVE ANXIETY EXPERIENCED BY THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT SEDATION SEDATION AND ANALGESIA

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.