dexmedetomidine + ketamine + lidocaine + magnesium sulfate

This combination drug regimen is a multi-modal anesthetic protocol designed to provide surgical analgesia and sedation without the use of opioid derivatives. The regimen consists of four primary agents: dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that provides sedation and analgesia; ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist that prevents central sensitization; lidocaine, a sodium channel blocker that inhibits pain signal transmission; and magnesium sulfate, which acts as both an NMDA receptor antagonist and a calcium channel blocker. This specific protocol is being evaluated by developer Unai Ortega Mera in a Phase 3 clinical trial for patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The primary objective of the regimen is to optimize postoperative pain control while minimizing the side effects and consumption of opioids in the perioperative period.

Other names

Opioid-free anesthesiaOFA