Can a common sedative calm ICU delirium without a breathing tube?
NCT ID NCT03317067
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether the sedative dexmedetomidine can reduce how long non-intubated ICU patients experience agitated delirium. Researchers randomly gave 168 patients either dexmedetomidine or a placebo. The goal was to see if the drug shortens agitation and delirium, and reduces the need for breathing tubes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dexmedetomidine
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a way to calm agitated ICU patients without needing a breathing tube, potentially shortening their hospital stay.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-phase trial, so results may not apply to all ICU patients. Dexmedetomidine can cause low blood pressure or slow heart rate.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
CHU Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France
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