RT Journal
A1 Gupta A, Lee D, Su M
T1 COmparing dexmedetomidine with midazolam for sedation of patients in the icu
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2009
FD June 17
VO 301
IS 23
SP 2439
OP 2442
DO 10.1001/jama.2009.839
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.839
AB 
Dexmedetomidine is an imidazole compound that displays specific and selective α2-adrenoreceptor affinity and has about 8 times greater affinity for the receptor than clonidine.2 Clonidine has been used as a second-line agent for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.3 Dexmedetomidine has multiple characteristics that indicate potential for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. These include reducing heart rate, lowering systemic blood pressure, and providing sedation. Case reports show positive outcomes for dexmedetomidine use in alcohol-withdrawal patients.4 In addition, rodent studies show dexmedetomidine to alleviate symptoms in ethanol-dependent rats.5 Dexmedetomidine may also be helpful in patients with severe withdrawal from other agents acting on GABA receptors. We have noted dexmedetomidine being used in our ICU as a second-line agent for the treatment of alcohol-withdrawal syndrome in nonintubated patients.