Dexmedetomidine: A Review of Its Use for Sedation in the Intensive Care Setting

Longer-term sedation with dexmedetomidine was noninferior to midazolam and propofol in terms of time spent at the target sedation range.

• Dexmedetomidine is associated with a shorter time to extubation compared to midazolam or propofol.
• Patients receiving dexmedetomidine were easier to rouse and more cooperative than those treated with midazolam or propofol.
• Dexmedetomidine may reduce the likelihood of delirium compared to midazolam, propofol, or remifentanil.
• Patients on dexmedetomidine experienced more delirium- and coma-free days than those receiving lorazepam.
• The tolerability profile of intravenous dexmedetomidine is acceptable, with hypotension, hypertension, and bradycardia being the most common adverse reactions.

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