METHODS OF TREATING PEDIATRIC PATIENTS USING DEXMEDETOMIDINE
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of administering an effective amount of dexmedetomidine to a pediatric patient in order to reduce the incidence of neurological damage. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of providing sedation or analgesia to a pediatric patient by administering a dexmedetomidine infusion and optionally a loading dose. The dexmedetomidine can be administered before, during, or after surgery.
1 . A method of sedation or analgesia in a pediatric patient in need thereof, wherein the method comprises administering dexmedetomidine to the pediatric patient;
wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered as a first loading dose at a concentration of between about 0.005 to about 1.0 μg/kg prior to a second maintenance dose at a concentration of between about 0.005 to about 1.0 ug/kg/hr;
wherein the pediatric patient is younger than about 1 year of age; and
wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered as a continuous infusion for a period of time of less than about 36 hours.
2 . (canceled)
3 . (canceled)
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pediatric patient is intubated prior to, during, or after administration of dexmedetomidine.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pediatric patient is critically ill.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is parenterally administered.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered by an intravenous infusion.
8 . (canceled)
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered before surgery.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered after surgery.
11 . (canceled)
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the administration of dexmedetomidine reduces a need for rescue medication.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the rescue medication is a sedative.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the rescue medication is an analgesic.
15 . (canceled)
16 . (canceled)
17 . (canceled)
18 . (canceled)