Efficacy of Clonidine in Reducing the Symptoms of Delirium
Rev. Hosp. Psiq. Hab. Volumen 22 | 2025 | Publicación continua
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delirium. (8) In terms of pharmacological treatment for delirium, antipsychotic medications,
such as haloperidol and second-generation antipsychotics, are typically used to manage
agitation. (9) A major concern with these medications in COVID-19 patients is QT interval
prolongation, as these patients often use other drugs like hydroxychloroquine, which also
prolong this interval. Other sedative drugs used to calm agitated patients, such as
benzodiazepines and opioids, can exacerbate delirium. Therefore, finding an effective yet
safe combination that does not suppress the respiratory system would be beneficial. (1)
In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved dexmedetomidine, a central
presynaptic receptor agonist, for short-term sedation needed for procedures less than 24
hours. This drug has anxiolytic and analgesic effects without causing respiratory
depression.(10)
There is considerable interest in using dexmedetomidine for ICU patients with delirium.
Unlike opioids and benzodiazepines, this drug is a potent and selective alpha-2 receptor
agonist, providing sedation without respiratory suppression in ICU patients. Additionally,
this compound has analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce
the inflammatory response associated with illness. It also has organ-protective effects, such
as neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and renoprotective properties. Several studies have
shown that ICU patients sedated with this drug experience less delirium, shorter ICU stays,
and reduced ventilator needs. (1)
On the other hand, the use of clonidine—a drug with a similar mechanism and a favorable
side effect profile for long-term sedation—is increasing. Its efficacy and safety in long-term
use for critically ill patients have been proven, with bradycardia and hypotension being the
main side effects. Clonidine is a good choice for alleviating the symptoms of delirium,
especially following the discontinuation of the use of dexmedetomidine, due to an increase
in alpha-adrenergic activity which can lead to hypertension, tachycardia, agitation,
restlessness, insomnia, and sweating. According to a study by Glass et al, clonidine was
useful as a substitute for dexmedetomidine. Also, with Clonidine, patients required less
fentanyl. The clonidine dose used in this study was 0.1-0.3 mg every 6-8 hours. (10)
Given the high prevalence of delirium among critically ill ICU patients, including COVID-
19 patients, and the lack of guidelines for treating delirium in these patients, it is essential to
use medications that not only manage agitation and reduce delirium effectively but also avoid
excessive sedation. Ideally, these medications should not cause respiratory depression,
should not interact with commonly used COVID-19 medications such as
hydroxychloroquine, and should not prolong the QT interval. For these reasons, and due to