La dexmédétomidine en réanimation

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Dexmedetomidine induces sedation in intensive care (ICU) patients without respiratory depression. The mean continuous intravenous dose is 0.5 and 0.8 μg/kg/h. Dexmedetomidine decreases the incidence of cognitive disorders and agitation in ICU patients. The main side effect is the occurrence of hypotension and bradycardia, especially after the administration of a loading dose. The use of dexmedetomidine is restricted, due to the side effects in patients in unstable haemodynamic condition.