Dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine
	Clinical data
Drug class	Sedative hypnotic
Routes of administration	IV, IM, IN
	Dosage
	Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of action	Alpha-2 agonism
	Pharmacokinetics
	Physical and chemical data
	Article quality
Editor rating	In development
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Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist that has been shown to have analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative properties^[1].

Uses

ICU, intra-operative, and procedural sedation without respiratory depression or amnestic properties. May decrease opioid requirement, more so due to sedating rather than analgesic effects.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications

Precautions

Should be used with caution with any drugs that lower heart rate or cause hypotension as it may contribute to these hemodynamic changes.^[1]

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Mechanism of action

Central α-2 agonist with a 1600:1 affinity for α-2 receptors over α-1 receptors.

Adverse effects

Risk of hypotension and bradycardia, in a dose-dependent manner. Night terrors and transient behavioral effects in children have been reported when used for pre-anesthetic sedation, due to calming effects without amnestic properties.

Pharmacokinetics

Chemistry and formulation

History

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 DiLorenzo, Amy N.; Schell, Randall M. (2014-08). "Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 5th Edition". Anesthesia & Analgesia. 119 (2): 495–496. doi:10.1213/ane.0000000000000298. ISSN 0003-2999. Check date values in: |date= (help)

Top contributors: Olivia Sutton, Charles McLendon, Robert F. O'Donnell, Chris Rishel and huckfinne@gmail.com

[:0-1] 1.0 ^1.1 DiLorenzo, Amy N.; Schell, Randall M. (2014-08). "Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 5th Edition". Anesthesia & Analgesia. 119 (2): 495–496. doi:10.1213/ane.0000000000000298. ISSN 0003-2999. Check date values in: |date= (help)

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