Dexmedetomidine and Anesthesia.

ABSTRACT

The α2-adrenoceptors (ARs) by virtue of their sedative, analgesic, sympatholytic, anesthetic-sparing and hemodynamicstabilizing properties, have been used as an adjunct to local anesthetics for prolongation of effect. Dexmedetomidine a stereoisomer of medetomidine a highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist with a relatively high ratio of α2/ α1-activity (16201 as compared to 2201 for clonidine). It has recently been introduced in anesthesia practice. It is currently being used for continuous intravenous sedation in the intensive care setting and procedural sedation in nonintubated patients.