Subcutaneous Dexmedetomidine for Refractory Symptoms in a Hospice Inpatient Unit

1. Dexmedetomidine by subcutaneous infusion can safely improve refractory pain and agitated delirium in hospice patients while maintaining rousable sedation

2. It may reduce reliance on high-dose opioids/benzodiazepines and, in some cases, postpone the need for palliative sedation therapy

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

This retrospective single-centre chart review from a New Zealand hospice evaluated continuous subcutaneous dexmedetomidine for adults with refractory end-of-life symptoms, mainly cancer pain (92%) and agitated delirium (50%). Twenty-six infusions were given to 25 patients between 2019 and 2024 after conventional opioids, benzodiazepines, or antipsychotics proved inadequate. Dexmedetomidine was started at 0.2 mcg/kg/hr and titrated to 1.4 mcg/kg/hr over a median of 4 days. Clinical benefit within 24 hours was reported in 88% of cases, with a median 2-point improvement in RASS-PAL scores, indicating better agitation/sedation control (p=0.0001). Opioid and midazolam requirements often fell in the first 24–48 hours, suggesting an opioid-sparing effect. Adverse effects occurred in 58%, but were mostly mild; significant haemodynamic instability was uncommon despite limited monitoring. The authors conclude that subcutaneous dexmedetomidine is a feasible, well-tolerated option that can relieve distress while preserving rousable sedation and may defer palliative sedation therapy.

Click here to read this study in The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Image: PD

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