The Effects of Dexmedetomidine to Postoperative Awakening and Extubation-related Changes in Blood Pressure

Dexmedetomidine will be diluted into a saline solution to a recommended concentration of 4 micrograms per millilitre. The saline will then be initially administered at the rate of 0.5 micrograms/kg/h and from that point the amount will be reduced to the point where the patient breathes well and is calm (compare dexmedetomidine recommendation at 0.2-1.4 ug/kg/h). The infusion rate will then be approximately 1-10 ml/h for a patient of 80 kgs weight. The exact dosage cannot be predetermined because it differs in each individual. In the control group the infusion speed is matching.

Saline placebo infusion will be adjusted the same fashion as the active comparator drug.