Dextrose is added to the spinal anesthetic drugs to
By adding dextrose we maKe local anaesthetic hyperbaric and prevent uncontrolled ascending of local anaesthetics The local anesthetic solutions can be made hyperbaric by the addition of glucose or hypobaric by the addition of sterile water or fentanyl. A hyperbaric solution of local anesthetic is denser (heavier) than CSF, whereas a hypobaric solution is less dense (lighter) than CSF. Significance: Hyperbaric solutions tend to move to the most dependent area of the spine. With the patient in a head-down position, a hyperbaric solution spreads cephalad, and a hypobaric anesthetic solution moves caudal. A head-up position causes a hyperbaric solution to settle caudally and a hypobaric solution to ascend cephalad. An isobaric solution tends to remain at the level of injection.
Increase duration of action
Reduce plasma levels of local anesthetic to prevent toxicity
Increase specific gravity
Hasten onset of action
Regional Anesthesia