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 providing sedation or analgesia to a pediatric patient in need thereof, wherein the method comprises administering a ready to use liquid pharmaceutical premix composition comprising dexmedetomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof disposed within a sealed glass container at a concentration of about 0.005 to about 50 μg/mL to the pediatric patient;
wherein the dexmedetomidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered as a first loading dose at a concentration of between 0.2 to 1.5 μg/kg prior to a second maintenance dose at a concentration of between 0.005 to 1.5 μg/kg/hr;
wherein the pediatric patient is 1 month to less than 17 years of age; and
wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered as a continuous infusion for a period of time of less than about 36 hours.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is parenterally administered.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered by an intravenous infusion.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered before or after surgery.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pediatric patient is intubated.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered to the pediatric patient in an intensive care unit.
7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the dexmedetomidine is administered after cardiopulmonary bypass.