Abstract

Dexmedetomidine the S-enantiomer of medetomidine a highly sedative and potent α2-
adrenergic agonists has a potentially useful role as a sedative agent. In healthy volunteers
dexmedetomidine increases sedation, analgesia and amnesia and decreases heart rate, cardiac
output and circulating catecholamine in a dose dependent fashion. Anaesthesia workstation
was checked. Appropriate size endotracheal tubes, working laryngoscope with medium and
large sized blades, stylet and working suction apparatus were kept ready before the induction
of general anaesthesia. Emergency drug tray consisting of atropine, adrenaline and
mephentermine were also kept ready for any eventuality. Post extubation Ramsay sedation
score was significantly higher in group D compared to group S at 30th, 60th and 90th minute
with p value = 0.001, 0.001 and 0.051 respectively. However no patients in group D required
intervention for sedation and were easily arousable. There was no statistically significance
between the groups immediately after extubation and at 120th minute postoperatively. 3
patients in group D (8.57%) and 3 patients in group S (8.57%) had vomiting immediately
following extubation which was statistically not significant (p = 0.721). 1 patients in group D
(2.86%) and 2 patients in group S (5.71%) had vomiting after 30 minutes of extubation which
was statistically not significant (p = 0.555).