Dexmedetomidine for the treatment of hyperactive delirium refractory to haloperidol in non-intubated patients

Delirium is reported to occur in up to 89% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (1), and delirium is an independent risk factor for increased costs, longer hospital stays, neuropsychological dysfunction, and mortality (2-4). As such, the effective treatment of delirium represents a way to not only improve patient safety and outcomes but also to decrease costs and increase hospital throughput. Multiple modalities, including both typical and atypical anti-psychotics, are available as off-label use to treat the symptoms of delirium.