Intranasal dexmedetomidine to reduce emergence agitation after children's strabismus surgery

Effect of Two Different Doses of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine on the Incidence of Emergence Agitation in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery , A Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · Alexandria University · NCT07523438

This trial will test whether giving children aged 3–6 undergoing strabismus surgery intranasal dexmedetomidine at 3 mcg/kg reduces emergence agitation compared with 2 mcg/kg.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorAlexandria University (other)
Locations1 site (Alexandria)
Trial IDNCT07523438 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Preschool children (ages 3–6) undergoing strabismus surgery receive intranasal dexmedetomidine at one of two doses (3 mcg/kg or 2 mcg/kg) before general anesthesia. Participants are assigned to a high-dose or low-dose group and are monitored during recovery for signs of emergence agitation, recovery time, and adverse events. The study compares the incidence and severity of emergence delirium in the postanesthesia care unit between the two dose groups. Safety outcomes include monitoring for oversedation, hemodynamic effects, and nasal discomfort.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are otherwise healthy children aged 3–6 years (ASA I–II) scheduled for strabismus surgery who are not on sedative medications and have no allergy to dexmedetomidine or neurologic/psychiatric disorders.

Not a fit: Children older than 6, those with neurologic or psychiatric disease, BMI over 20 kg/m2, on sedative medications, or allergic to dexmedetomidine are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, a higher intranasal dose could meaningfully reduce post-anesthesia agitation and its complications in young children after strabismus surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pediatric studies have shown intranasal dexmedetomidine can reduce emergence agitation and provide sedation, but the optimal intranasal dose is not yet agreed upon.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 3-6 years, both sexes
* ASA physical status class I , II.

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of neurological and psychiatric disease
* body mass index \> 20 kg m-2
* allergy to dexmedetomidine
* patients on medical treatment which has any sedative effect
* mentally retarded children

Where this trial is running

Alexandria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dexmedetomidine, Emergence Agitation, emergence agitation, strabismus surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.