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Review
. 2019 Apr;19(2):83-90.
doi: 10.17245/jdapm.2019.19.2.83. Epub 2019 Apr 30.

Role of dexmedetomidine in pediatric dental sedation

Vedangi Mohite  1 , Sudhindra Baliga  1 , Nilima Thosar  1 , Nilesh Rathi  1
Affiliations
Review

Role of dexmedetomidine in pediatric dental sedation

Vedangi Mohite et al. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Apr.

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist with a vast array of properties, making it suitable for sedation in numerous clinical scenarios. Its use was previously restricted to the sedation of intensive care unit patients. However, its use in pediatric dental sedation has been gaining momentum, owing to its high suitability when compared with conventional pediatric sedatives. Its properties range from sedation to anxiolysis to analgesia, due to its sympatholytic properties and minimal respiratory depression ability. Because dexmedetomidine is an efficacious and safe drug, it is gaining importance in pediatric sedation. Thus, the aim of this review is to highlight the properties of dexmedetomidine, its administration routes, its advantages over the commonly used pediatric sedatives, and especially its role as an alternative pediatric sedative.

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; Midazolam; alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptors Agonist.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Chemical formula structure of dexmedetomidine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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