Impact of dexmedetomidine in conjunction with a weaning protocol on post-surgical opioid use in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

We have been unable to demonstrate a reduction in opioid exposure with use of alpha-2 agonists alone in post-operative newborns. addition of a weaning protocol to the use of dexmedetomidine 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 and scheduled acetaminophen post-operatively.