Objective: Dexmedetomidine is indicated for sedation of ventilated ICU patients, but may be suitable for sedation during surgery. As we have already used successfully combination of another alpha-2- mimetic, clonidine, with ketamine for sedation, we decided to evaluate the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine.
The combination of dexmedetomidine 1 μg and ketamine 1 mg in 1 ml saline can be used for sedation during surgery. It provides good analgesia, amnesia and has no effect on ventilation.