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Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Dexmedetomidine in Pediatrics Subjects

A Phase II, Open-Label, Multicenter, Escalating Dose, Study to Determine Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Profile of Dexmedetomidine in Pediatric Subjects Ages ≥ 2 Through < 17 Years Old

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00652028
Enrollment
69
Registered
2008-04-03
Start date
2008-11-30
Completion date
2010-04-30
Last updated
2017-04-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Intubated and Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Subjects

Keywords

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Escalating dose, Dexmedotimidine, Intubated, Mechanically ventilated, Pediatrics

Brief summary

The objective of this study is to characterize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of dexmedetomidine administered as an intravenous loading dose followed by a continuous intravenous infusion in pediatric subjects ages ≥2 through \<17 years old.

Detailed description

This is a phase II, open-label, multicenter, escalating dose study evaluating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexmedetomidine in pediatric subjects. The study population consists of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated pediatric subjects, ages ≥2 through \<17 years old, that require sedation in an intensive care setting for a minimum of 6 hours. Subjects will be divided into two groups based on age: Group I will consist of subjects ages ≥2 through \<6 years old and Group II subjects age ≥6 through \<17 years old. Within each group there will be four escalating dosing levels. Both groups can enroll simultaneously; however within each group, the next dose level cannot begin to enroll until all subjects have completed the previous dose level and the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has approved enrollment to the next level. The level of sedation will be assessed using the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS). Based on these scores, and clinical judgment, additional sedation with midazolam will be administered according to the label. Pain will be assessed using the Faces, Legs, Arms, Cry & Consolability (FLACC) scale. Venous blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis will be obtained at designated times. The pharmacodynamic and safety measures that will be monitored and the pharmacodynamic impact of dexmedetomidine on tracheal extubation will also be explored if subject is extubated within 24 hours.

Interventions

DRUGDexmedetomidine, midazolam; fentanyl

Dexmedetomidine for sedation; midazolam for rescue sedation according to label; fentanyl for rescue pain according to the label

Sponsors

Hospira, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
2 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Initially intubated and mechanically ventilated pediatric subjects in an intensive care setting anticipated to require a minimum of 6 hours of continuous intravenous sedation. * Age: subjects must fit into one of the following age ranges at screening: * ≥2 years old through \<6 years old * ≥6 years old through \<17 years old * If female, subject is non-lactating and is either: 1. Not of childbearing potential, defined as pre-menarche, or surgically sterile due to bilateral tubal ligation, bilateral oophorectomy or hysterectomy. 2. Of childbearing potential but is not pregnant at time of baseline. * Subject's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) has/have voluntarily signed and dated the informed consent document approved by the Institutional Review Board. Assent will be obtained where age-appropriate and according to state regulations.

Exclusion criteria

* Pediatric subjects with neurological conditions that prohibit an evaluation of sedation * Diminished consciousness from increased intracranial pressure. * Extensive brain surgery (surgery requiring intracranial pressure monitor). * Diminished cognitive function per PI's discretion. * Subjects with immobility from neuromuscular disease or continuous infusion of neuromuscular blocking agents. * Weight \<10 kg. * Subjects with second degree or third degree heart block unless subject has a pacemaker or pacing wires. * Hepatic impairment Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase/Alanine aminotransferase (SGPT/ALT) \>100 U/L * Hypotension based on repeat assessments prior to starting study drug: * Age ≥2 years old through ≤12 years old: systolic blood pressure (SBP) \<80 mmHg * Age \>12 years old through \<17 years old: SBP \<90 mmHg * Pre-existing bradycardia prior to starting study drug defined as: * Age ≥2 years old through ≤6 years old: ≤70 beats per minute (bpm) * Age \>6 years old through ≤12 years old: ≤60 bpm * Age \>12 years old through ≤16 years old: ≤50 bpm * Acute thermal burns involving more than 15 percent total body surface area. * Subjects who have a known allergy to dexmedetomidine, midazolam (MDZ) or fentanyl. * Subjects with a life expectancy that is \<72 hours. * Subjects that are expected to have hemodialysis (continuous hemofiltration) or peritoneal dialysis within 48 hours. * Subjects who have been treated with α-2 agonists/antagonists within two weeks. * Subjects with a spinal cord injury above T5. * Subjects who have received another investigational drug within the past 30 days. * Subjects on nicotine replacement therapy. * Subjects who, in the opinion of the investigator, may not be able to comply with the safety monitoring requirements of this clinical study.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time of the Last Measurable Concentration (AUC0-t)≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.Area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the time of the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t) for Dexmedetomidine
Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time Infinity (AUC0-∞)≤30 min prior to start of the loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing the LD; 0.5,1,2&4 to 6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4&10 hrs after end of MI.Area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the time infinity (AUC0-∞) for Dexmedetomidine
Observed Peak Plasma Concentration≤30 min prior to start of the loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing the LD; 0.5,1,2&4 to 6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4&10 hrs after end of MI.Observed peak plasma concentration (Cmax) for Dexmedetomidine
Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2)≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.Terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) for Dexmedetomidine
Plasma Concentration at Steady State (Css)≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.Plasma concentration at steady state (Css) for Dexmedetomidine
Volume of Steady State Distribution (Vss)≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.Volume of steady state distribution (Vss) for Dexmedetomidine
Clearance (CL)≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.Clearance (CL) for Dexmedetomidine
Level of Sedation Based on Average Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) ScorePrior to loading (Baseline), 5 and 10 min during the load, at start of maintenance infusion and every 15 min for 1 hour, hourly during the maintenance period, before and within 5 min after midazolam or fentanyl dose during the dexmedetomidine infusion.RSS Score range from 1 to 6: 1. Patient is anxious and agitated or restless, or both. 2. Patient is cooperative, orientated and tranquil. 3. Patient responds to command only. 4. Patient exhibits brisk response to light glabellar (between the eyebrows) tap or loud auditory stimulus. 5. Patient exhibits a sluggish response to light glabellar tap or loud auditory stimulus. 6. Patient exhibits no response to stimulus.
Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)During the treatment period (Approximately 24 hours)Number of subjects who received rescue medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and analgesics (Fentanyl) while intubated during Treatment Period

Countries

Guatemala, United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Dose Level 1
Dexmedetomidine: Loading dose (IV) 0.25 mcg/kg/hour for 10 minutes; Continuous dose (IV infusion) 0.2 mcg/kg/hour for 6-24 hours
16
Dose Level 2
Dexmedetomidine: Loading dose (IV) 0.5 mcg/kg/hour for 10 minutes; Continuous dose (IV infusion) 0.4 mcg/kg/hour for 6-24 hours
14
Dose Level 3
Dexmedetomidine: Loading dose (IV) 1.0 mcg/kg/hour for 10 minutes; Continuous dose (IV infusion) 0.7 mcg/kg/hour for 6-24 hours
15
Dose Level 4
Dexmedetomidine: Loading dose (IV) 1.0 mcg/kg/hour for 10 minutes; Continuous dose (IV infusion) 2.0 mcg/kg/hour for 6-24 hours
14
Total59

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003
Overall StudyAdverse Event1000
Overall StudyNo Longer Meets Entry Criteria0100
Overall StudyPhysician Decision0010

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicDose Level 2Dose Level 3Dose Level 1Dose Level 4Total
Age, Continuous7.457 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.599
8.379 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.4962
6.358 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4673
7.462 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.2259
7.395 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1571
Age, Customized
≥2 through <6 years
6 participants6 participants8 participants6 participants26 participants
Age, Customized
≥6 through <17 years
8 participants9 participants8 participants8 participants33 participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
2 Participants1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants6 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants2 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants2 Participants3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
12 Participants13 Participants12 Participants10 Participants47 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants9 Participants10 Participants5 Participants32 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
6 Participants6 Participants6 Participants9 Participants27 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
11 / 1612 / 1410 / 1513 / 14
serious
Total, serious adverse events
1 / 160 / 140 / 150 / 14

Outcome results

Primary

Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time Infinity (AUC0-∞)

Area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the time infinity (AUC0-∞) for Dexmedetomidine

Time frame: ≤30 min prior to start of the loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing the LD; 0.5,1,2&4 to 6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4&10 hrs after end of MI.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time Infinity (AUC0-∞)3153.518 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 3343.3451
Dose Level 2Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time Infinity (AUC0-∞)6673.163 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 3781.2183
Dose Level 3Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time Infinity (AUC0-∞)17300.539 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 29935.7647
Dose Level 4Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time Infinity (AUC0-∞)28970.541 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 17936.897
Primary

Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time of the Last Measurable Concentration (AUC0-t)

Area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the time of the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t) for Dexmedetomidine

Time frame: ≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time of the Last Measurable Concentration (AUC0-t)2681.332 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 2353.3418
Dose Level 2Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time of the Last Measurable Concentration (AUC0-t)6460.576 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 3766.4657
Dose Level 3Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time of the Last Measurable Concentration (AUC0-t)16992.540 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 29927.3911
Dose Level 4Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From Time Zero to the Time of the Last Measurable Concentration (AUC0-t)28531.864 picograms*hr/mLStandard Deviation 17496.3985
Primary

Clearance (CL)

Clearance (CL) for Dexmedetomidine

Time frame: ≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Clearance (CL)32.208 Litre/hourStandard Deviation 40.3982
Dose Level 2Clearance (CL)20.268 Litre/hourStandard Deviation 10.3508
Dose Level 3Clearance (CL)18.565 Litre/hourStandard Deviation 8.6995
Dose Level 4Clearance (CL)22.199 Litre/hourStandard Deviation 14.1623
Primary

Level of Sedation Based on Average Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) Score

RSS Score range from 1 to 6: 1. Patient is anxious and agitated or restless, or both. 2. Patient is cooperative, orientated and tranquil. 3. Patient responds to command only. 4. Patient exhibits brisk response to light glabellar (between the eyebrows) tap or loud auditory stimulus. 5. Patient exhibits a sluggish response to light glabellar tap or loud auditory stimulus. 6. Patient exhibits no response to stimulus.

Time frame: Prior to loading (Baseline), 5 and 10 min during the load, at start of maintenance infusion and every 15 min for 1 hour, hourly during the maintenance period, before and within 5 min after midazolam or fentanyl dose during the dexmedetomidine infusion.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Level of Sedation Based on Average Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) Score2.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.96
Dose Level 2Level of Sedation Based on Average Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) Score2.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.74
Dose Level 3Level of Sedation Based on Average Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) Score2.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.5
Dose Level 4Level of Sedation Based on Average Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) Score4.0 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.04
Primary

Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)

Number of subjects who received rescue medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and analgesics (Fentanyl) while intubated during Treatment Period

Time frame: During the treatment period (Approximately 24 hours)

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Dose Level 1Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Midazolam7 participants
Dose Level 1Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Fentanyl12 participants
Dose Level 2Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Fentanyl10 participants
Dose Level 2Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Midazolam7 participants
Dose Level 3Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Midazolam5 participants
Dose Level 3Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Fentanyl13 participants
Dose Level 4Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Midazolam3 participants
Dose Level 4Number of Subjects Who Received Rescue Medication for Sedation (Midazolam) and Analgesics (Fentanyl)Fentanyl8 participants
Primary

Observed Peak Plasma Concentration

Observed peak plasma concentration (Cmax) for Dexmedetomidine

Time frame: ≤30 min prior to start of the loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing the LD; 0.5,1,2&4 to 6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4&10 hrs after end of MI.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Observed Peak Plasma Concentration480.437 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 625.9946
Dose Level 2Observed Peak Plasma Concentration847.691 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 633.7352
Dose Level 3Observed Peak Plasma Concentration3385.569 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 7384.0699
Dose Level 4Observed Peak Plasma Concentration3090.939 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 1625.5241
Primary

Plasma Concentration at Steady State (Css)

Plasma concentration at steady state (Css) for Dexmedetomidine

Time frame: ≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Plasma Concentration at Steady State (Css)402.026 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 535.1718
Dose Level 2Plasma Concentration at Steady State (Css)539.848 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 166.7423
Dose Level 3Plasma Concentration at Steady State (Css)1347.284 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 1308.0988
Dose Level 4Plasma Concentration at Steady State (Css)2827.144 picograms per milliliterStandard Deviation 1169.4226
Primary

Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2)

Terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) for Dexmedetomidine

Time frame: ≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2)1.546 hourStandard Deviation 0.3401
Dose Level 2Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2)1.743 hourStandard Deviation 0.3018
Dose Level 3Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2)2.045 hourStandard Deviation 0.6582
Dose Level 4Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2)2.145 hourStandard Deviation 0.6763
Primary

Volume of Steady State Distribution (Vss)

Volume of steady state distribution (Vss) for Dexmedetomidine

Time frame: ≤30 min prior to start of loading dose (LD); 5 min before finishing LD; 0.5,1,2 & 4-6 hrs after start of maintenance infusion (MI); 30 min prior to end of MI (within 24 hrs of start of MI); 10 min after end of MI and 0.5,1,2,4 & 10 hrs after end of MI.

Population: Full Evaluable Population: Participants who received study drug infusion for at least 5 hours and had available PK data were included in the full evaluable population. This was the primary population for PK and PD analyses.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose Level 1Volume of Steady State Distribution (Vss)56.808 LitreStandard Deviation 44.5127
Dose Level 2Volume of Steady State Distribution (Vss)35.246 LitreStandard Deviation 25.0233
Dose Level 3Volume of Steady State Distribution (Vss)32.789 LitreStandard Deviation 22.5478
Dose Level 4Volume of Steady State Distribution (Vss)43.652 LitreStandard Deviation 30.6577

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026