Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2771244 Seminars in Anesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain 2006 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

Dexmedetomidine (DMET) is an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist approved for short-term use as a sedative for mechanically ventilated patients. Alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists exhibit sedative–hypnotic, analgesic, anxiolytic, and sympatholytic effects. The ability of DMET to produce a readily arousable state of moderate–deep sedation and analgesia with a lack of respiratory depression has led to an increased interest in its use. Very little published data exists on the side effects/adverse event profile of the drug, especially with high-dose prolonged infusions. In addition, the ceiling dose is not really known. This article reviews the current literature with regards to multiple organ systems and the effects of DMET.

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