Dexmedetomidine Mechanism of Action: an update

authors:

avatar Sara Salarian ORCID 1 , * , avatar Bahar Taherkhanchi 2 , avatar Ali Dabbagh ORCID 1 , avatar Mahboubeh Darban 3 , avatar Bahador Bagheri ORCID 4

Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Pediatric, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Department of Internal Medicine, Kowsar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Cancer Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia: Vol.1, issue 2; e149509
article type: Review
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22037/jcma.v1i2.11398

how to cite: Salarian S, Taherkhanchi B, Dabbagh A, Darban M, Bagheri B. Dexmedetomidine Mechanism of Action: an update. J Cell Mol Anesth. 2016;1(2):e149509. https://doi.org/10.22037/jcma.v1i2.11398.

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine (PRECEDEX) is an imidazole derivative that is a highly selective a2 receptor agonist. Activation of the a2 adrenergic receptors by dexmedetomidine leads to both sedation and analgesia; with negligible respiratory and cardiovascular side effects. The drug is likely to be increasingly used for sedation and as an anesthetic adjunct.