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Review
. 2022 Dec;40(1):111-130.
doi: 10.1016/j.aan.2022.06.003.

What Is the Role of Dexmedetomidine in Modern Anesthesia and Critical Care?

Adaora M Chima  1 , Mohamed A Mahmoud  2 , Suryakumar Narayanasamy  2
Affiliations
Review

What Is the Role of Dexmedetomidine in Modern Anesthesia and Critical Care?

Adaora M Chima et al. Adv Anesth. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine's unique sedative properties have led to its widespread use. Dexmedetomidine has a beneficial pharmacologic profile including analgesic sparing effects, anxiolysis, sympatholysis, organ-protective effects against ischemic and hypoxic injury, and sedation which parallels natural sleep. An understanding of predictable side effects, effects of age-related physiologic changes, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine is crucial to maximize its safe administration in adults and children. This review focuses on the growing body of literature examining advances in applications of dexmedetomidine in children and adults.

Keywords: Adult; Anesthesia; Anti-inflammatory properties; Intensive care unit sedation; Organ protection; Palliative care sedation; Pediatric; Procedural sedation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure This study was supported by the Department of Anesthesiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. No financial support was provided other than departmental salary support for the authors.

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