Is Dexmedetomidineʼs Anesthetic Action Dependent on Isoreceptor Selectivity?

Regan, John W.; Doze, Van A.; Daniel, Kratika; Maze, Mervyn

doi:10.1097/00000542-198909001-00579

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…In animals, the profound reduction of anesthetic requirements raised the possibility that α 2 -adrenoceptor agonists may be considered anesthetic agents when administered alone (39). It was subsequently shown that a central α 2 -adrenergic C4 isoreceptor is the probable receptor that mediated the anesthetic response (40). Possible anesthetic effects also have been suggested in humans (28).…”

Section: Intraoperative Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dexmedetomidine: A Novel Sedative-Analgesic Agent

Gertler¹,

Brown²,

Mitchell³

et al. 2001

Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings

667

521

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Since the first report of clonidine, an alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, the indications for this class of drugs have continued to expand. In December 1999, dexmedetomidine was approved as the most recent agent in this group and was introduced into clinical practice as a short-term sedative (<24 hours). Alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists have several beneficial actions during the perioperative period. They decrease sympathetic tone, with attenuation of the neuroendocrine and hemodynamic responses to anesthesia and surgery; reduce anesthetic and opioid requirements; and cause sedation and analgesia. They allow psychomotoric function to be preserved while letting the patient rest comfortably. With this combination of effects, alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists may offer benefits in the prophylaxis and adjuvant treatment of perioperative myocardial ischemia. Furthermore, their role in pain management and regional anesthesia is expanding. Side effects consist of mild to moderate cardiovascular depression, with slight decreases in blood pressure and heart rate. The development of new, more selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists with improved side effect profiles may provide a new concept for the administration of perioperative anesthesia and analgesia. This review aims to give background information to improve understanding of the properties and applications of the novel alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine.

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Section: Intraoperative Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%