25/11/2013

The Role of the 2-Adrenoceptor Agonist Dexmedetomidine in Postsurgical Sedation in the Intensive Care Unit
Sign In
Search all journals

Advanced Search

My Tools

Search History

Contact Us

HELP

Brow se Journals

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine

jic.sagepub.com
doi: 10.1177/0885066602239122
J Intensive Care Med January 2003 vol. 18 no. 1 29-41

The Role of the 2-Adrenoceptor Agonist

Dexmedetomidine in Postsurgical Sedation
in the Intensive Care Unit
Eike Martin
Graham Ramsay
Jean Mantz
S. T. John Sum-Ping

Abstract
Dexmedetomidine was evaluated for sedation of 401 postsurgical patients in this
double-blind, randomized, placebocontrolled, multicenter trial. Dexmedetomidine or
saline was started on arrival in the intensive care unit (ICU) (1.0 mcg/kg for 10
minutes), then titrated at 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/h to effect. Patients could be given
propofol if necessary. Morphine was administered for pain. Sixty percent of the
dexmedetomidine patients required no other sedative to maintain an RSS 3; 21%
required < 50 mg propofol. In contrast, 76% of the control group received propofol;
59% required 50 mg. Dexmedetomidine patients required significantly less morphine
for pain relief (P < .001). Continuously given throughout the ICU stay,
dexmedetomidine had no effect on respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, duration of
weaning, or times to extubation. Nurses judged the dexmedetomidine patients were
easier to manage. Later, fewer dexmedetomidine patients remembered pain or
discomfort. The majority of dexmedetomidine patients maintained blood pressures
within normal range, without rebound. Hypertension, atelectasis, and rigors occurred
more frequently in the control group, while hypotension and bradycardia occurred more
frequently in the dexmedetomidine group. Preoperative cardiovascular conditions were
not risk factors for dexmedetomidine patients.
2-adrenoceptors

im idazoles

cardiac artery bypass graft

sym patholysis

anxiety

respiratory system

Articles citing this article

Dexmedetomidine as a Novel Countermeasure for Cocaine-Induced
Central Sympathoexcitation in Cocaine-Addicted Humans
Hypertension February 1, 2013 61: 388-394
Abstract

Full Text

Full Text (PDF)

Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine: From Second- to First-Line

Sedative Agents in the Critical Care Setting?
J Intensive Care Med July 1, 2012 27: 219-237
Abstract

Full Text

Full Text (PDF)

Dexmedetomidine Prevents Alterations of Intestinal Microcirculation

That Are Induced by Surgical Stress and Pain in a Novel Rat Model
Anesth. Analg. July 1, 2012 115: 46-53
Abstract

Full Text

Full Text (PDF)

Analgosedation: A Paradigm Shift in Intensive Care Unit Sedation

Practice
Ann Pharmacother April 1, 2012 46: 530-540
Abstract

Full Text

Full Text (PDF)

Dexmedetomidine, an {alpha}2-adrenergic agonist, inhibits neuronal

delayed-rectifier potassium current and sodium current

jic.sagepub.com/content/18/1/29.short

1/2

25/11/2013

The Role of the 2-Adrenoceptor Agonist Dexmedetomidine in Postsurgical Sedation in the Intensive Care Unit
Br J Anaesth August 1, 2009 103: 244-254
Abstract

Full Text

Full Text (PDF)

Medication-Related Complications in the Trauma Patient

J Intensive Care Med March 1, 2008 23: 91-108
Abstract

Full Text (PDF)

The Safety and Effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine When Used for

More Than 24 Hours in an Adult Intensive Care Setting
Journal of Pharmacy Practice December 1, 2007 20: 474-477
Abstract

Full Text (PDF)

Sedation and analgesia in the intensive care unit: Evaluating the

role of dexmedetomidine
Am J Health Syst Pharm January 1, 2007 64: 37-44
Abstract

Full Text

Full Text (PDF)

A comparison of dexmedetomidine versus conventional therapy for

sedation and hemodynamic control during carotid endarterectomy
performed under regional anesthesia.
Anesth. Analg. March 1, 2006 102: 668-675
Abstract

Full Text

Full Text (PDF)

Dexmedetomidine Overdose in the Perioperative Setting

Ann Pharmacother May 1, 2004 38: 803-807
Abstract

Full Text

jic.sagepub.com/content/18/1/29.short

Full Text (PDF)

2/2