Dexmedetomidine: exploring its potential role and dosing guideline for its use in intractable pain in the palliative care setting.
Intractable pain continues to pose problems for patients with life-limiting disease. The authors review the potential role of dexmedetomidine (Precedex), an α(2)-adrenergic agonist, as a bridge to obtaining effective analgesia. The authors offer criteria to consider in utilizing this medication within the context of palliative care.
Thomas Palliative Care Program, Virginia Commonwealth University/Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA. user479069@aol.com
Patrick J
PJ
Coyne
Colin P
CP
Wozencraft
Seth B
SB
Roberts
Barton
B
Bobb
Thomas J
TJ
Smith
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D020927:Dexmedetomidine