A case report of an accidental iatrogenic dexmedetomidine overdose in an adult

Abstract

Abstract Background Dexmedetomidine is a sedative drug with a wide safety margin. Case presentation We present a case of accidental iatrogenic dexmedetomidine overdose in an adult patient during high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment. This is the first case report of an adult patient receiving an intravenous push of dexmedetomidine. Overdose resulted in severe oversedation, but symptoms receded spontaneously over time. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine overdoses are infrequent, and they are usually the result of an administration error.

Keywords

• Alpha2-agonists
• Medication error
• Adverse effect
• Oversedation
• Case report