Comparative evaluation of nebulized ketamine and its combination with dexmedetomidine as premedication for paediatric patients undergoing surgeries under general anaesthesia

Abstract Background Various drugs have been endorsed but no standardised premedication protocol exists for paediatric patients. Nebulised form of drug not only results in better patient acceptability but also has improved clinical effectiveness. The present study delineates and evaluates the efficacy and safety of nebulised ketamine and combination of nebulised dexmedetomidine and ketamine for premedication in paediatric patients. Methods Prospective randomised controlled study was planned in patients, 3–10 years of age, undergoing surgeries. Patients received either nebulised ketamine (2 mg/kg) (group X, n = 23) or dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg plus ketamine (1 mg/kg) (group Y; n = 24), 30 min before shifting inside the operation theatre. The sedation level, haemodynamic response and ill-effects were recorded for 30 min. Results The baseline haemodynamic (HR, MAP, RR and SpO2) parameters were normal and comparable in both the groups. There was no significant variation noticed in terms of HR, MAP, RR and SpO2% in either of the groups at 15 min (p  Conclusion Nebulisation is a satisfactory method of premedication for children. A combination of nebulised ketamine with a dose of 1 mg/kg and dexmedetomidine with a dose of 1 μg/kg is capable of producing a satisfactory level of sedation in a more effective manner than sedation induced by nebulised ketamine alone (2 mg/kg).