Dexmedetomidine: An Overview and Best Practices

Duarte, CA US
May 30, 2024

Dexmedetomidine use as an adjunct for anesthesia and analgesia is relatively new.  The majority of our anesthesia department members trained at a time when this medication was still not widely available and thus their experience with this drug has been limited. As our department has rapidly expanded the number of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), the use of this drug has also increased.  While use of this drug can be advantageous, not all patients are good candidates for this medication.  

As our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) cohort has increased, so too has the use of dexmedetomidine.  However, there seems to be a general lack of understanding on the pharmacology, benefits and contraindications of dexmedetomidine. We are seeking to improve knowledge on the use of this drug, while also curtailing its use in patients who are not good candidates.  

Target Audience

Anesthesiologists, Certified Nurse Anesthetists and staff working in the operating rooms at City of Hope. 

Learning Objectives

  • Examine mode of action and advantages of dexmedetomidine.
  • Identify patient population that is a good candidate for dexmedetomidine. 
  • Outline contraindications to dexmedetomidine.
  • Discuss adverse reactions of dexmedetomidine.
  • Discuss possible barriers and biases which may impact patient care (i.e., race, ethnicity, language, gender identity/orientation, age, socioeconomic status, attitudes, feelings, or other characteristics).
Activity summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    City of Hope designates this Dexmedetomidine: An Overview and Best Practices for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ requirements. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Activity opens: 
05/30/2024
Activity expires: 
05/31/2024
Event starts: 
05/30/2024 - 7:00am PDT
Event ends: 
05/30/2024 - 8:00am PDT
Add to calendar: 
City of Hope
1500 E Duarte Rd
Duarte, CA 91010
United States

Virtual Meeting- Zoom

Ana Chu, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, City of Hope

Presenter: Dr. Chu has indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships.

Planner: Evelyn Bonilla, MD and Michael Sullivan, MD have indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships.

This presentation and/or comments will provide a balanced, non-promotional, and evidence-based approach to all diagnostic, therapeutic and/or research related content. 

CME Committee/Reviewer no relevant financial relationships:  Daneng Li, MD

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT: City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION: City of Hope designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

The following credit type(s) are being offered for this course:

•  AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™  1.0

The following may apply AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for license renewal:

Registered Nurses: Nurses may report up to 1.0 credit hours toward the continuing education requirements for license renewal by their state Board of Registered Nurses (BRN). AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may be noted on the license renewal application in lieu of a BRN provider number.

Physician Assistants: The National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants states that AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ accredited courses are acceptable for CME requirements for recertification.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    City of Hope designates this Dexmedetomidine: An Overview and Best Practices for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ requirements. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • 1.00 Attendance
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