A Phase I, Two-center Study of the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Dexmedetomidine in Children

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine in children are predictable with a terminal half-life of 1.8 h. Hemodynamic responses decreased with increasing doses of dexmedetomidine. Respiratory responses were maintained, whereas sedation was transient.

Dexmedetomidine for Transport of a Spontaneously Breathing Combative Child

“…Although uncommon, hypotension and bradycardia, when they do occur, appear to be dose-related, and a 30% decrease in BP and HR after a load of 1 mg/kg given over 10 minutes has been reported. 28,29 Other reported side effects include transient hypertension associated with a loading dose, nausea, and dry mouth. 30 Our experience with dexmedetomidine, knowledge of the pediatric data, and the fact that this patient represented a threat to both himself and the medical air transport team, led to the decision to sedate this severely agitated and combative child with dexmedetomidine for transport.…”

Dexmedetomidine: An Ideal Drug for Procedural Sedation Outside Operation Theatre

“…3 Respiratory rate and hemoglobin oxygen saturation are unchanged after 1micro g/kg dexmedetomidine infused over 10 minutes Upper airway patency is maintained during dexmedetomidine sedation in children. 4 In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of healthy children who breathed spontaneously during dexmedetomidine (1 or 3 micro g/kg/h), the cross sectional areas of the nasopharynx and retroglossal space were only modestly reduced in comparison with baseline, and respiratory indices were maintained. 5 However, doses of 2 micro g/kg given as a bolus resulted in short episodes of apnoea.…”

Intravenous Infusions for Sedation: Rationale, State of the Art, and Future Trends

“…Pharmacokinetic models for dexmedetomidine in children have recently been produced from studies involving single bolus administration [44], after short infusions [45], and after longer infusions [46] for postoperative sedation. Further studies are needed to compare the predictive accuracy of these models to determine which perform optimally in clinically relevant situations.…”