Impact of dexmedetomidine in conjunction with a weaning protocol on post-surgical opioid use in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Deonne Dersch-MillsAlixe HowlettJan LindAllison MarchukKhorshid Mohammad

Published in: Pharmacotherapy (2023)

We have been unable to demonstrate a reduction in opioid exposure with use of alpha-2 agonists alone; addition of a weaning protocol showed a reduction in opioid duration and exposure (although not statistically significant). At this point, dexmedetomidine and clonidine should not be introduced outside standardized protocols with scheduled acetaminophen post-operatively.

Keyphrases

chronic pain
pain management
mechanical ventilation
randomized controlled trial
cardiac surgery
preterm infants
intensive care unit
acute kidney injury
acute respiratory distress syndrome