Dexmedetomidine: exploring its potential role and dosing guideline for its use in intractable pain in the palliative care setting

Abstract

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.