Prolonged Use of Dexmedetomidine Infusion in an Infant for Sedation as Adjuvant Therapy

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine, a central and peripheral alpha-2 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for the use in patients 18 years old and older, it has been increasingly used in the pediatric population for sedation and analgesia due to its advantage of minimal respiratory depression and lack of abuse/dependence. This is a case report of a successful use of dexmedetomidine in an infant for 15 weeks achieving; symptom control, reduction in the dose of opioids and benzodiazepines by 50% and a safe transition to oral equivalents.