JOURNAL ARTICLE

Clinical characteristics and outcomes using dexmedetomidine in nonintubated patients: A poison center observational study.

  • Published In: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 2023, v. 80, n. 8. P. 526 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kershner, Emily; Tobarran, Natasha; Chambers, Andrew; Jenkins, Zach; Wills, Brandon K; Cumpston, Kirk L 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the retrospective evaluation of dexmedetomidine, a central α2 agonist sedative, used off-label to manage agitation in nonintubated toxicology patients. Reviewing 70 cases from the Virginia Poison Control Center between 2019 and 2022, the study found clinical improvement in 89% of patients treated with dexmedetomidine, with few adverse effects and no deaths reported. Four patients required intubation after dexmedetomidine initiation, two due to refractory agitation and two due to hypoxia following aspiration. The findings suggest dexmedetomidine may be a useful adjunctive therapy for agitation in poisoned patients, but prospective studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy before routine use.

Additional Information

  • Source:American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 2023/04, Vol. 80, Issue 8, p526
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:1079-2082
  • DOI:10.1093/ajhp/zxac378
  • Accession Number:163001502
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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