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Review
. 2011 Jul-Dec;5(2):128-33.
doi: 10.4103/0259-1162.94750.

Current role of dexmedetomidine in clinical anesthesia and intensive care

Manpreet Kaur  1 , P M Singh  2
Affiliations
Review

Current role of dexmedetomidine in clinical anesthesia and intensive care

Manpreet Kaur et al. Anesth Essays Res. 2011 Jul-Dec.

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is a new generation highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist that is associated with sedative and analgesic sparing effects, reduced delirium and agitation, perioperative sympatholysis, cardiovascular stabilizing effects, and preservation of respiratory function. The aim of this review is to present the most recent topics regarding the advantages in using dexmedetomidine in clinical anesthesia and intensive care, while discussing the controversial issues of its harmful effects.

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; intensive care unit sedation; α2-adrenergic receptor agonist.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structure of dexmedetomidine
Figure 2
Figure 2
Physiology of various α2-adrenergic receptors
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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