Question - The article cited below reports the drug “Dexmedetomidate induces sedation while preserving a degree of arousability among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), and its use has resulted in a shorter time to extubation, an increased number of days free from coma or delirium, a reduced incidence of agitated delirium, prevention of delirium, and lower mortality than other agents administered in certain populations.” What adverse effects are reported in association with the administration of dexmedetomidate?
Answer - Hypotension and bradycardia are the common side effects associated with the use of dexetomidate. Prolonged sinus arrest (asystole) has also been reported. (Shehabi Y et al. Early sedation with dexmedetomidate in critically ill patients. 2019 NEJM 380:2506-2517)