Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating septic hypotension. More specifically, the methods may comprise, administering one alpha-2 agonist or other sympatholytic and at least one vasopressor.

Abstract: A method for treatment of severe diffuse acute respiratory distress syndrome in an intubated-ventilated patient which includes sedating said patient with at least one alpha-2 agonist, maintaining spontaneous ventilation and applying pressure support ventilation of at least 5-10 cmH2O combined to a high positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10-24 cmH2O. A pharmaceutical composition containing at least one alpha-2 agonist suitable for treatment of ARDS in combination with, if appropriate, at least one sedative agent which does not depress ventilatory drive is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treatment of severe diffuse acute respiratory distress syndrome in an intubated-ventilated patient which includes sedating said patient with at least one alpha-2 agonist, maintaining spontaneous ventilation and applying pressure support ventilation of at least 5-10 cmH2O combined to a high positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10-24 cmH2O. A pharmaceutical composition containing at least one alpha-2 agonist suitable for treatment of ARDS in combination with, if appropriate, at least one sedative agent which does not depress ventilatory drive is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating septic hypotension, including administering at least one alpha-2 agonist or other sympatholytic, and at least one vasopressor. The alpha-2 agonist may be clonidine or dexmedetomidine, and the sympaholytic may be rilmelidine, monoxidine, alpha-methyldopa and alpha-methylparatyrosine. The vasopressor may be noradrenaline, adrenaline, vasopressin, angiotensin and phenylephrine. The method can include intravenous infusion of the patient with at least one inotrope such as dobutamine and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Suitable inotropes include amrinone and milrinone. In a preferred embodiment, the alpha-2 agonist and the vasopressor are simultaneously administered. Also disclosed is a composition for treating septic shock hypotension which includes at least one alpha-2 agonist and at least one vasopressor.