Use of Dexmedetomidine in Patients with Noninvasive Ventilation

Agitation and delirium are relative contraindications for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in acute care [1]. These cause serious complications, and even if indicated, NIV sometimes fails with these complications. Although sedation therapy can play an important role in NIV success, it is also potentially dangerous because respiratory depression is a concern when using potent analgesics or sedatives. Routine use of sedatives such as opioids and benzodiazepines can lead to a fatal outcome when overdosed.