Description
Dexmedetomidine is the active stereoisomer of medetomidine, a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic agent widely used in veterinary anaesthesia. Stimulation of presynaptic alpha-2 receptors inhibits the release of noradrenaline and stimulation of postsynaptic receptors leads to inhibition of sympathetic activity, a fall in blood pressure and heart rate and also produces sedation. Activation of receptors in the spinal cord produces analgesia, without respiratory depression. Since these are valuable goals in anaesthetised patients, the drug is now being evaluated in anaesthesia and critical care in humans.
