Background and aim: Anesthetic premedication with
dexmedetomidine helps to alleviate anxiety, reduces analgesic need,
and prevents unfavorable postoperative psychological events. In
addition, it helps in rapid inhalational induction and oro-tracheal
intubation. This study aims to assess the premedication efficacy of
oral paracetamol and intranasal dexmedetomidine regarding
alleviating anxiety and tolerance to separation from the parents.
Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, comparative
clinical trial was done on 86 children ASAI or II of either sex who
were scheduled for adeno-tonsillectomy and received either oral
paracetamol or intranasal dexmedetomidine. The primary goal of our
trial was to evaluate anxiety level and assess tolerance to separation
from the parents; this was assessed by the modified Yale scale. Our
secondary goals were perioperative hemodynamic parameters and
SPO2, which were followed up in the preoperative period and after
receiving the drug. Intraoperatively, the anesthesiologist recorded child's heart rate and MAP.
Postoperatively, parents' satisfaction was assessed. Results: Preoperative anxiety score showed
no significant difference between both groups. Also, baseline HR, MAP, and SpO2 were
comparable. No significant differences were noted at 10 and 20 minutes after drug administration
in all vitals (P > 0.05). However, 30 minutes later, till the operation ended, the blood pressure
and heart rate were significantly higher in group P than in group D. No significant difference was
reported between both groups regarding SpO2(P > 0.05). Conclusions: Oral paracetamol is
similar to intranasal dexmedetomidine in reducing preoperative anxiety. As a result, paracetamol
is a good substitute for dexmedetomidine.