Nose spray showdown: which sedative works best for anxious children?

NCT ID NCT07180095

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests two different nose sprays—dexmedetomidine and ketamine—to see which one better calms children aged 2 to 6 before surgery. Sixty kids will receive one of the two sprays, and researchers will measure how sleepy they get and how easily they separate from their parents. The goal is to find a safer, more effective way to reduce preoperative anxiety in young patients.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

intranasal dexmedetomidine and intranasal ketamine

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a better way to calm children before surgery, reducing anxiety and making separation from parents easier.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 children, so results may not apply to all kids. Both drugs can cause side effects like low blood pressure or slow heart rate.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.