Effects of Subanesthetic Oromucosal Dexmedetomidine on Sleep in Humans: A Randomized, Controlled Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The locus coeruleus noradrenergic system may provide a potential new target for pharmacologic insomnia treatment, particularly in patients suffering from elevated distress. The selective α 2 -noradrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine attenuates locus coeruleus activity in subanesthetic doses, yet no adequate nonparental delivery systems of dexmedetomidine are currently available. To examine the feasibility of oromucosal dexmedetomidine administration, the authors developed two distinct-one sublingual and one buccal-oromucosal, fast-disintegrating dexmedetomidine formulas tailored for self-administration. Here, the authors established the formulas' pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles.

Methods

In a pilot study (sublingual formulation; n = 8 good sleepers) and a

SUBMITTER: Schnider LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11801451 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature