Dexmedetomidine reduces the amount of benzodiazepines and opioids administered during moderate conscious sedation for dental treatment

AIM To assess the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the intravenous moderate sedation (IVMS) regimen, while treating patients of the special patient care (SPC) population. This study aims to incorporate DEX into the typical IVMS drug regimen in order to reduce the amount of benzodiazepines (BZD) and opioids administered and as a result reduce the amount of unwanted side effects. METHOD AND RESULTS A retrospective study was performed in the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) SPC Clinic, where 42 patients were seen with and without DEX for dental treatment under IVMS. Medications administered, vital signs, and complications were recorded at 5 minute intervals over the first hour. All BZDs and opioids were converted to their IV midazolam and IV fentanyl equivalents, respectively. An opioid conversion equation was developed to summate the total amount of anesthetic agents administered. Data were analyzed by t-test. The amount of BZDs administered was reduced, however the decrease was not statistically significant (P = .066). There was a significant reduction in opioids (P < .05) and total anesthetic agents (P < .05) administered. CONCLUSION The addition of DEX to the anesthetic regimen results in a reduction of overall medications administered.