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Dexmedetomidine for sedation
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that produces sedation and analgesia by activating presynaptic and postsynaptic alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system.
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that produces sedation and analgesia by activating presynaptic and postsynaptic alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system. Used for Sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, Procedural sedation, Perioperative sedation and analgesia.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dexmedetomidine for sedation |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Control drug for sedation |
| Sponsor | Southeast University, China |
| Drug class | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist |
| Target | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia and Sedation |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By binding to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, dexmedetomidine reduces norepinephrine release and enhances inhibitory neurotransmission, resulting in sedation, anxiolysis, and analgesia without respiratory depression. This mechanism allows patients to remain arousable and responsive to stimuli while sedated, making it suitable for procedural and ICU sedation.
Approved indications
- Sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients
- Procedural sedation
- Perioperative sedation and analgesia
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Hypertension (transient, initial)
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Safety and Efficacy of Dexmedetomidate vs. Midazolam for Procedural Sedation During Medical Thoracoscopy (PHASE3)
- Study of the Efficacy of Moderate Sedation With Intra-NAsal Dexmedetomidine Monitored by EEG MOnitoring (NA)
- Comparison of Anesthetic Techniques for Early Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy (NA)
- The Use of Remimazolam Versus Dexmedetomidine for Patients Receiving Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (NA)
- Comparison Between Two Drugs in Sedation of Upper GI Endoscopy
- General Anesthesia Versus Sedation By Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine With Local Infiltration for Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Pediatric Patients (NA)
- A Comparative Study Between Combination of Propofol and Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol Alone in Anesthesia for Rigid Bronchoscopy by Using the Patient State Index Monitor (PHASE4)
- Electrophysiologist-led Deep Sedation Protocols for Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Using a Bipolar Tip-Catheter: The DEEP-PFA Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Dexmedetomidine for sedation CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dexmedetomidine for sedation updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Southeast University, China portfolio CI