Off-Label Use of Dexmedetomidine for the Treatment of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE Evaluate recent clinical studies involving the use of dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion for the treatment of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS A literature search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles in MEDLINE (1966-June 2016) using the terms sedation, analgesic, dexmedetomidine, delirium, and critically ill adult patients. RESULTS Two studies in the ICU setting reported the potential benefits of DEX for managing agitation during weaning from mechanical ventilation. One pilot study and a clinical trial reported the use of DEX in the treatment of ICU delirium. CONCLUSION Further studies are required to evaluate the use of DEX treatment in critically ill patients presenting with delirium.