Pharmacotherapy
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Dexmedetomidine is an alpha(2)-agonist indicated for sedation in critically ill patients and procedural sedation in nonintubated patients. It is a distinctive sedative because it does not cause respiratory depression, but it may cause hypotension and bradycardia. We describe a 74-year-old man who was receiving dexmedetomidine for agitation and experienced progressive bradycardia. ⋯ Clinicians need to be educated about the potential for dexmedetomidine to cause bradycardia progressing to pulseless electrical activity, and patients need to be closely monitored. Patients who receive dexmedetomidine and develop a greater than 30% decrease in heart rate may be at high risk for severe bradycardia leading to pulseless electrical activity. We urge caution when using dexmedetomidine, especially in patients with significant cardiac disease.