Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 1 Year to 5

Comparing three medications for pain management in young children during minor procedures

Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial of Intranasal (IN) Midazolam vs IN Dexmedetomidine vs IN Ketamine Evaluating Length of Stay After Medication Administration and Anxiolysis During Minimal Procedures in Pediatric Population in Pediatric Emergency Department

Run by University of Oklahoma · NCT05934669 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing three different nasal medications to see which one helps young children feel less pain and anxiety during minor procedures in the emergency room.

More Anxiety trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages1 Year to 5 Years
SexAll
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 14, 2023
Main results expectedMay 2025
Study endsJune 2025
Registry record updatedJune 28, 2024
Trial IDNCT05934669 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 1-5 years presenting to the emergency department for suture repair of lacerations less than or equal to 5cm.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are younger than 12 months or older than 5 years, or those with specific medical conditions or contraindications to the medications will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of three intranasal medications—Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine, and Ketamine—in managing anxiety and pain during laceration repairs in pediatric patients aged 1-5 years. The goal is to determine which medication results in the shortest emergency department stay and highest satisfaction for both patients and providers. By comparing these medications, the study aims to improve the overall experience for children undergoing painful procedures in the emergency department. The research will also assess the pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of these medications in a pediatric setting.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for young children, enhancing their overall experience during emergency procedures.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar approaches, but this specific comparison of these three medications in a pediatric emergency setting is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 1-5 years old
* Presents to the ED for suture repair for lacerations less than or equal to 5cm in length
* Parent(s)/Caregiver(s) speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 12 months of age or older than 5 years old
* Suture repair needed for lacerations are greater than 5cm in length
* Known allergy or adverse effect to Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine, Ketamine, or any other sedatives
* Any abnormal vital signs for age, especially heart rate and blood pressure
* History of Cardiac, respiratory, renal, or liver disease
* Known electrolyte abnormalities
* Any ocular trauma, nasal injury, nasal deformity, significant nasal congestion, abnormalities in the nasal or oral mucosa, facial deformity, or facial injury
* Home medications include beta blockers or any other blood pressure lowering agents Classified American Society of Anesthesiologists III and above
* Known or anticipated difficult airway
* Abnormal neurological exam
* Parent(s)/Caregiver(s) do not speak English

Where it's running

  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.