Dexmedetomidine: therapeutic efficacy in adult patients of the intensive care unit

Optimal management of sedation, pain, agitation, and delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) involves systematic and multimodal approaches to provide comfort and safety. As one of the most widely used alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonists, dexmedetomidine has become more and more popular for sedation and agitation in critically ill adult patients. The sedative, analgesic and opioid-sparing effects highlight its use in ICUs. The role of dexmedetomidine for the management of sedation, pain, delirium and agitation in adult patients in ICU is reviewed and updated in this present article. Most recent studies demonstrated that the administration of dexmedetomidine was superior to other commonly used sedative agents in ICUs. With increasing evidences of its organ protection effects, cognitive preservation and inflammatory inhibition, dexmedetomidine has been recommended and accepted to be used in ICU patients. Adverse effects associated with dexmedetomidine mainly comprise bradycardia and hypotension, which still need careful consideration before administration. With multiple beneficial effects on ICU patients and potential better cost-effectiveness, dexmedetomidine is believed to be a unique and admirable option.