Dexmedetomidine versus Remifentanil for Sedation during Awake Fiberoptic Intubation

Table 1

Advantages and disadvantages of remifentanil versus dexmedetomidine.

Remifentanil	Advantages	Disadvantages
	Sedative	Hemodynamic instability
	Analgesic	Respiratory depression
	Ultra-short acting
	Anti-tussive
	Reversed by naloxone
Dexmedetomidine	Advantages	Disadvantages
	Sedative	High cost ($80 for 200 mcg vial)^*
	Analgesic	Need for slow controlled bolus
	Xerostomia	followed by titrated infusion
	Minimal respiratory depression	Limited availability in European countries

^*Cost at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX.