The sedative effects of the intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine in children undergoing surgeries compared to other sedation methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis

•Intranasal administration is alternative route of dexmedetomidine.•Sedative effect is better than that of per os benzodiazepine.•No respiratory depressant effects were observed.•However, less sedative efficacy was noted compared to that of intranasal fentanyl.•Further studies of intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine are needed.