Clinical Study
Dexmedetomidine versus Remifentanil for Sedation during Awake Fiberoptic Intubation
Table 1
Advantages and disadvantages of remifentanil versus dexmedetomidine.
| Remifentanil | Advantages | Disadvantages | Sedative | Hemodynamic instability | Analgesic | Respiratory depression | Ultra-short acting | | Anti-tussive | | Reversed by naloxone | |
| Dexmedetomidine | Advantages | Disadvantages | Sedative | High cost ($80 for 200 mcg vial)* | Analgesic | Need for slow controlled bolus | Xerostomia | followed by titrated infusion | Minimal respiratory depression |
Limited availability in European countries |
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*Cost at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX.
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