Methods of treating pediatric patients using dexmedetomidine

Abstract

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)