| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4343839 | Neuroscience Letters | 2014 | 6 Pages |
•Dexmedetomidine is analgesic and safe for patients with obstructed airways.•Dexmedetomidine with local anesthetics is a promising new avenue.•Peripheral, spinal and supraspinal α2A-ARs are responsible for the mechanism.•Animal studies show that antinociceptive synergism results from co-application.
Dexmedetomidine was initially approved for clinical use as a sedative. Its development in pain management has been limited. Dexmedetomidine has analgesic effects and analgesic-sparing properties, especially for patients with obstructed airways. Mixing dexmedetomidine with local anesthetics is a promising new avenue to enhance local anesthetics’ effectiveness. Peripheral, spinal and supraspinal α2A-ARs are responsible for the analgesic function of dexmedetomidine. Animal studies have shown that antinociceptive synergism results from co-application of dexmedetomidine and opioids or local anesthetics. Dexmedetomidine has potential adverse effects such as hypotension and bradycardia. Therefore, dexmedetomidine is contraindicated for patients suffering from bradycardia or using β-adrenergic antagonists. Clinical trials of dexmedetomidine in chronic pain or hyperalgesia are lack.
