Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

opioid free anesthesia

opioid-free anesthesia works by using a combination of local anesthetics and adjuvants to provide pain relief without the use of opioids.

opioid-free anesthesia works by using a combination of local anesthetics and adjuvants to provide pain relief without the use of opioids. Used for General anesthesia for surgical procedures.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

opioid-free anesthesia typically involves the use of local anesthetics such as lidocaine or ropivacaine, combined with adjuvants like clonidine or ketamine to enhance analgesia and reduce the need for opioids. This approach can help reduce the risk of opioid-related side effects and promote a faster recovery.

Approved indications

• General anesthesia for surgical procedures

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

Key clinical trials

• The Relationship Between Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Postoperative Agitation-Delirium and Quality of Recovery in Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Cases Monitored With Perioperative Bispectral Index
• Opioid Free and Opioid Based Anesthesia in Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery
• Cardiac Index and General Anesthesia Without Opioid. (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Opioid-Free Pain Control Regimen Following Robotic Radical Prostatectomy (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Opioid-Free vs Opioid-Based Anesthesia in Bariatric Surgery (NA)
• Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of SPSIPB in Anterior Cervical Discectomy (NA)
• Transition From Acute to Chronic Opioid Use and Chronic Pain (EARLY_PHASE1)
• LIdocaine veRsus Sufentanil Anaesthesia in Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.