Journal of perioperative practice
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children; a review.
Dexmedetomidine is an α2 adrenoreceptor agonist that may be administered by the intranasal route as a sole sedative agent in children. It is odourless, colourless and tasteless and is formulated in a concentration of 100µg.ml-1. We performed a review of published randomised controlled trials in order to determine the efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine was administered by either drops or a mucosal atomiser device. The procedures ranged from non-painful examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging scans and transthoracic echocardiography to painful procedures such as dentistry and venous cannulation. Administration of 2µg.kg-1 appears to be the optimal dose.