Dexmedetomidine: a novel sedative-analgesic agent.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Gertler, Ralph Brown, H. Cleighton Mitchell, Donald H. Silvius, Erin N.
Abstract	Since the first report of clonidine, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, the indications for this class of drugs have continued to expand. In December 1999, dexmedetomidine was approved as the most recent agent in this group and was introduced into clinical practice as a short-term sedative (<24 hours). α2-Adrenoceptor agonists have several beneficial actions during the perioperative period. They decrease sympathetic tone, with attenuation of the neuroendocrine and hemodynamic responses to anesthesia and surgery; reduce anesthetic and opioid requirements; and cause sedation and analgesia. They allow psychomotoric function to be preserved while letting the patient rest comfortably. With this combination of effects, α2-adrenoceptor agonists may offer benefits in the prophylaxis and adjuvant treatment of perioperative myocardial ischemia. Furthermore, their role in pain management and regional anesthesia is expanding. Side effects consist of mild to moderate cardiovascular depression, with slight decreases in blood pressure and heart rate. The development of new, more selective α2-adrenoceptor agonists with improved side effect profiles may provide a new concept for the administration of perioperative anesthesia and analgesia. This review aims to give background information to improve understanding of the properties and applications of the novel α2-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine.
Related Links	https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC1291306&blobtype=pdf
ISSN	08998280
Volume Number	14
PubMed Central reference number	PMC1291306
Issue Number	1
PubMed reference number	16369581
Journal	Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent)
DOI	10.1080/08998280.2001.11927725
Language	English
Publisher	Baylor Health Care System
Publisher Date	2001-01-01
Access Restriction	Open
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Medicine