Use of Dexemedetomidine beyond 24 hours in the intensive care unit

Adequate sedation of critically ill patients is essential to ensure maximal quality of care in the high-stress environment of the intensive care unit (ICU). The main goals of sedation include augmentation of pain control, management of agitation and psychological distress, and improvement of patient tolerance and acceptance of the endotracheal tube and ventilatory support. Dexemedetomidine (DEX) is a potent α2-adrenoceptor agonist with an α2:α1 ratio of 1300:1 that produces stable tranquility with rousability. DEX permits haemodynamic stability by effectively blunting both cathecolamine and haemodynamic responses to endotracheal intubations, surgical stress, and arousal from anaesthesia.