Dexmedetomidine vs. Fentanyl: Comparing Effects on Propofol Dose and Post-Intubation Hemodynamics

Syafri Kamsul Arif, Imtihanah Amri, and Anwar Mallongi examined the effects of two drugs, dexmedetomidine and fentanyl, on the required induction dose of propofol and the body’s hemodynamic response after laryngoscopy and intubation. Laryngoscopy and intubation can elevate blood pressure and heart rate due to increased sympathetic activity. In their study involving 48 patients at Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital, they found that the induction dose needed was lower in the group administered dexmedetomidine compared to the fentanyl group. Furthermore, after 1 minute of intubation, the dexmedetomidine group exhibited a more stable hemodynamic response, although by the 3rd and 5th minutes, both groups demonstrated stability, with dexmedetomidine achieving a lower average heart rate.