Dexmedetomidine is a sedative drug that has many benefits when given to children under anesthesia, such as improved pain relief and reduced agitation following their surgery. The FDA-approved indications for dexmedetomidine are sedation of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and peri-procedural (or peri-operative) sedation of non-intubated patients.
ChEBI: Dexmedetomidine is a medetomidine. It has a role as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, a non-narcotic analgesic, an analgesic and a sedative. It is an enantiomer of a levomedetomidine.
This drug is most commonly given to cause sedation, so extreme sedation/lethargy for a short period of time is an expected side effect. Pale gums and lowered heart and respiratory rates can occur. Rarely, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse may occur. When injected into the muscle, this medication can cause temporary pain at the injection site.
The mechanism of action of dexmedetomidine is as an Adrenergic alpha2-Agonist. Dexmedetomidine selectively binds to presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors located in the brain, thereby inhibiting the release of norepinephrine from synaptic vesicles. This leads to an inhibition of postsynaptic activation of adrenoceptors, which inhibit sympathetic activity, thereby leading to sedation and anxiolysis. The analgesic effect of this agent is mediated by binding to alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the spinal cord.
