Intranasal dexmedetomidine versus oral midazolam for premedication in children having elective inguinal or urological surgery

Comparison of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Oral Midazolam for Premedication in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Elective Inguinal and Urological Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital · NCT07565116

This trial will test whether intranasal dexmedetomidine or oral midazolam works better to calm children aged 2–10 before elective inguinal or urological surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Diyarbakır, Outside of the US)
Trial IDNCT07565116 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In a randomized, double-blind, controlled design, children aged 2–10 undergoing elective inguinal or urological surgery will be assigned to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine or oral midazolam prior to anesthesia induction. A double-dummy approach is used so each group receives both an oral and an intranasal preparation to preserve blinding. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients achieving adequate sedation at induction, with perioperative safety parameters and emergence agitation also recorded. The trial will compare effectiveness, onset of sedation, and adverse effects between the two premedication methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 2–10 years with ASA physical status I–II scheduled for elective inguinal or urological surgery whose parents or guardians can provide written informed consent.

Not a fit: Children with significant systemic disease, cardiac arrhythmias or congenital heart disease, neurological or behavioral disorders, nasal pathology, emergency surgery, or those on interacting chronic medications are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the results.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a premedication that more reliably calms children with fewer respiratory effects and smoother anesthesia induction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized studies and meta-analyses indicate intranasal dexmedetomidine often provides effective sedation and anxiolysis in children and compares favorably to oral midazolam, although onset time and dosing differ across reports.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric patients aged 2-10 years
* ASA physical status I-II
* Scheduled for elective inguinal or urological surgery under general anesthesia
* Both male and female patients
* Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known allergy or hypersensitivity to dexmedetomidine or midazolam
* Presence of significant systemic disease or organ dysfunction
* Cardiac arrhythmia or congenital heart disease
* Neurological or behavioral disorders, including developmental delay
* Chronic use of analgesics or other medications that may affect study outcomes
* Anticipated difficult airway
* Nasal pathology that may interfere with intranasal drug administration
* Emergency surgery
* Inability to obtain written informed consent from parents or legal guardians

Where this trial is running

Diyarbakır, Outside of the US

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.
Conditions Pediatric AnesthesiaPreoperative AnxietyEmergence Agitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.