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Dexmedetomidine-esketamine combination
This combination pairs dexmedetomidine (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist) with esketamine (an NMDA receptor antagonist) to produce sedation and analgesia with dissociative properties.
This combination pairs dexmedetomidine (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist) with esketamine (an NMDA receptor antagonist) to produce sedation and analgesia with dissociative properties. Used for Procedural sedation and analgesia, Perioperative sedation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dexmedetomidine-esketamine combination |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Dexmedetomidine-esketamine group, Sedation with dexmedetomidine-esketamine combination, Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, Esketamine hydrochloride |
| Sponsor | Peking University First Hospital |
| Drug class | Sedative-analgesic combination |
| Target | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor; NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia / Sedation |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Dexmedetomidine acts as a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that promotes sedation and analgesia while maintaining airway reflexes. Esketamine is an S-enantiomer of ketamine that antagonizes NMDA receptors, providing rapid-onset anesthesia and analgesia. The combination leverages complementary mechanisms to achieve sedation suitable for procedural or perioperative use.
Approved indications
- Procedural sedation and analgesia
- Perioperative sedation
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Intranasal Dexmedetomidine-esketamine Administration and Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Patients (PHASE4)
- An Exploratory Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Esketamine and Dexmedetomidine in Non-Intubated ICU Patients With Hyperactive Delirium (PHASE4)
- Effects of Esketamine Combined With Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Sleep Quality (NA)
- Night-time Dexmedetomidine-esketamine Infusion and Sleep Quality in ICU Patients (PHASE4)
- Determination of ED50 and ED95 With Clinical Efficacy of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Combined With Esketamine for Preoperative Sedation in Pediatric General Anesthesia (PHASE4)
- Sedation With Dexmedetomidine-esketamine Combination and Delirium in ICU Patients (PHASE4)
- Dexmedetomidine-esketamine-ropivacaine Versus Sufentanil-ropivacaine for Epidural Labor Analgesia (PHASE4)
- The Effect of Esketamine Combined With Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Recovery Quality in Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Surgery (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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